Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are ready to test West Ham's resolve with a huge bid for 17-year-old defender Reece Oxford, according to theMirror.
Leipzig are making a statement this season and are flying high in the German top flight. They are currently tied on points at the top of the tablewith giants Bayern Munich, and only trail on goal difference.
The clubsplashed £13m on Oliver Burke during the summer, but they are said to have set their sights on the precocious Oxford. The Hammers, however, will be determined to hang on to their prizedacademy product.
Leipzig have identified British players as chief targets, as the management and coaching staff are of the view that they have the perfect character to succeed in German football.
Oxford, though, has been ruled out of action four around four weeks, after having injured ankle ligaments in training last Saturday. The injury has left him using crutches, and has blown his hopes of playing in the first team.
West Ham could be in for even more disappointment, with Dimitri Payet refusing to rule out a January move. After starring in Hammers' colours last season, the Frenchman was awarded a new £125k-a-week deal, but given the team's poor form this campaign, Payet has said that a move is possible.
"We've had a very poor start," he said to Telefoot (H/TSky Sports). "Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the door to nothing.
"Until now, I always chose my clubs depending on the sports project. I work like that. Until I can play at a level like this, it will be the case.
"Go to PSG or Marseille? For now, they have not come to me, so I do not ask myself."