Borussia Monchengladbach chief Max Eberl has been boosted in his plans to re-sign Reece Oxford.
Oxford was recalled by West Ham over Christmas from his season-long loan at Gladbach as new manager David Moyes wanted to assess him up close.
Eberl never shut the door on bringing Oxford back to the club, though admitted last week: "I hope there will not be any utopian offer from another club."
However, this week Oxford turned out for West Ham in their FA Cup replay win over Shrewsbury Town. It meant the defender has now played for two different teams this season - and FIFA transfer laws prevent a player from appearing for a third.
The result means the only option for Oxford if he is to leave the Irons this month is a return to Gladbach.
Eberl confirmed: "Reece cannot play for three clubs in one season, we're just waiting..."