West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini is demanding more from Reece Oxford.

The 19 year-old revealed this week that he is prepared to quit the club in January if his first-team prospects do not improve. Pellegrini, however, remains unmoved and insists the pressure is all on Oxford.

He said: “This season will be difficult for him to play. I spoke with him some weeks ago to force him to continue working as high as he can. If you don't have space in the first team, you must demonstrate in the Under-23 that you can make a difference in every game.

“This is the part of a career for a young player that a lot of good players don't continue in a good way, and the other arrives in the first team. It is a difficult moment for him and he must work very hard."

Pellegrini reckons it could be for the best if the teenager, who had a spell at Germany's Borussia Moenchengladbach last season, goes out on loan again.

He added: “If for different reasons the club doesn't have the space you must go to another club to demonstrate that you can or you don't come. Oxford has demonstrated he can play. We will see his future."