'Yes, 100%' - Exclusive: Agbonlahor reacts as West Ham line up Jan replacement for big name
Gabriel Agbonlahor has slammed West Ham striker Sebastien Haller for his recent performances.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa and England striker encouraged the Hammers to push ahead with signing Bournemouth striker Joshua King in the January transfer window.
Haller has started nine of West Ham's last 10 Premier League games with Michail Antonio struggling with a hamstring injury but has scored just twice in that time.
Football Insider revealed in October West Ham have laid the groundwork to sign the King in the winter window after coming close to a deal in the summer.
Meanwhile, Antonio made his first appearance since the end of November against Southampton on Tuesday night when he replaced Haller after 77 minutes.
Asked by Football Insider whether it is a big boost to have the 30-year-old returning to full fitness, Agbonlahor said: “Yes, 100 per cent.
“They need Antonio back in that team as soon as possible.
“Because Haller, he scores the odd goal, the odd screamer but he’s not going to get you 20 goals a season, he’s not going to get anywhere near it.
“He’s not mobile enough, he doesn’t hold the ball up well enough. He didn’t do anything in the game against Brighton.
“I’m sure even with the formation that he played against Brighton in the first half, if you had an Antonio there something would have happened.
“Getting Antonio back starting games is something they definitely need.
“If I was them, I’d still be trying to get Josh King in.”
Haller's two goals in Antonio's absence were a 20-yard winner against Sheffield United and an overhead kick in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Prior to picking up a hamstring injury against Manchester City, Antonio had scored 11 goals in his last 14 Premier League games.