West Ham starlet Reece Oxford was wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, according to Hammers chief David Gold.
Oxford was given his first start against Arsenal on the opening day of the season by Slaven Bilic and since his debut the 16-year-old made six appearances for the Hammers in all competitions.
"Reece can become a West Ham legend and that is what this place needs,” he told The Independent.
"We need a catalyst to change it. That is why the determination to keep him at 16 was so great.
"The value of a 16-year-old now is greater than a second-year pro. As a club we already had the player. Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal wanted him and the value was ridiculous.
"We have to give them so much so young just to keep them. You haven’t got a choice."
West Ham academy director Terry Westley said "every single one of our 175 boys from nine years old to 22 has his own individual plan.
“I say to Oxford, that he’s going to be a Premier League footballer. But do you want to be captain of England? Do you want to be the best in the world in your position? He could be. When he plays in the Euros he stands out.
"You go to the theatre to see Billy Elliott. The actor is what, 13? He can’t make a mistake. He can’t trip over or get his words wrong. Footballers aren’t like that. We tend to allow it and think it is OK. That’s the bit we are missing.”
Source: DSG
