West Ham United have confirmed that defender Reece Oxford has linked up with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach on a season-long loan.

The 18-year-old has been unable to force his way into regular contention with the Hammers since making his breakthrough in 2015, becoming the second-youngest player to start a Premier League game at the time.

Oxford was sent to Reading to gain some further experience last term and will now join Gladbach for his latest adventure on July 1, which United boss Slaven Bilic claims can only be a good thing for the England Under-20s international.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Reece to continue his development and experience top-level European football on a regular basis," he told the club's official website.

"He will play in a league which is very technical, which can only help him immensely, and he will also learn a new culture and gain valuable life experience.

"We believe Reece has a very exciting and successful future here at West Ham, and he now needs regular first team football to ensure his progress continues. We wish Reece all the very best in this adventure, and look forward to welcoming him back to the club at the end of the season."

Oxford made 10 appearances for West Ham in the 2015-16 campaign but saw an ankle ligament injury curtail his progression last time out, returning to action in January and spending time with beaten Championship playoff finalists Reading.