Exclusive: London PL club line up West Ham player to potentially replace 26yo talisman
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Exclusive: London PL club line up West Ham player to potentially replace 26yo talisman

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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By Pete O'Rourke

Crystal Palace are ready to rekindle their interest in West Ham United attacker Michail Antonio this summer, Football Insider understands.

Roy Hodgson's team have held a long-term interest in Antonio and tried to sign the 29-year-old last summer only for their London rivals to keep hold of him.

A Palace source has told Football Insider that the club have identified Antonio as a potential replacement for Wilfried Zaha should they lose their talisman this summer.

The Ivory Coast international, 26, went public at the end of the domestic season to reveal his desire to take the next step in his career and be playing in the Champions League.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson has lined up Antonio as he is a big fan of his versatility in that he can play anywhere across the frontline.

Antonio enjoyed another productive campaign for West Ham last season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists despite playing in a variety of different positions.

West Ham would be reluctant to lose Antonio after offloading the likes of Samir Nasri, Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez already this summer.

But they are bracing themselves for offers in the former Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest man if Palace firm up their interest.

In other West Ham news, the club have rejected an approach from Premier League giants for 29-year-old.

West Ham United
Crystal Palace
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