READING FC have announced highly rated defender Reece Oxford has joined the Royals until the end of the season.

Oxford, who learned his trade at parent club West Ham, emerged as a potential deadline day target for the club this morning when he was spotted at Madejski Stadium.

The defender, 18, will join up with Jaap Stam's squad after tonight's Championship clash away at Birmingham City.

The highly rated teenager will provide cover for the Royals' defence, with Tiago Ilori thought to be out for at least six weeks, while trying to break into Stam's first-team plans.

Speaking of the new signing, Stam said: "Reece is a very talented defender with a lot of potential. He is a modern defender and our style of play should suit him. 

"Hopefully we can give him the stage to play, the time to grow in confidence and help him develop as a player during his time with us. So it's a good move for both clubs and we're very happy to have him in the squad for the rest of the season." 

Oxford is the Royals' second signing of the day after the club announced Jordon Mutch has also joined on a loan deal from Crystal Palace.

Adrian Popa and Tiago Ilori both joined the squad earlier on in the transfer window.

London-born Oxford became the Hammers' youngest ever player when he made his debut at 16 years and 198 days old.

He was in demand with clubs like Nottingham Forest and Scottish side Rangers thought to be interested in securing his services, but Hammers' boss Slavan Bilic revealed earlier today he was keen for the youngster to learn from Jaap Stam.

"Hopefully Reece will go on loan to Reading today," said Bilic when talking to the media this morning.

"The manager there was really important for me in that decision."