Michail Antonio Exclusive: Significant West Ham update today
West Ham will entertain offers for Michail Antonio in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 34-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away since the beginning of the summer transfer window, and that interest is said to have lingered.
His contract at the London Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season, and sources at West Ham say the club could opt to cash in rather than let him leave for free.
However, there is a feeling that a new striker will have to be signed before they allow the Jamaican to leave given their shortage of options up front.
Niclas Fullkrug has so far struggled to adapt to the Premier League since his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, leaving Antonio as the starting number nine.
Danny Ings is also set to see his contract expire at the end of the season, which would leave the Hammers with just one senior recognised striker on the books.
West Ham to cash in on Michail Antonio in January transfer twist
Antonio has spent nine years at the London Stadium since making the £7million move from then-Championship outfit Nottingham Forest in 2015.
His performances for the club during that spell have solidified his status as a cult hero among the fans, but there is a feeling his time at the club may be drawing to a close.
The striker’s continued presence in the first team is seen as a concern given his age and ability relative to where the club want to head in the coming seasons.
So far since Julen Lopetegui’s arrival, the 34-year-old has featured in seven of their eight games, starting five as he remains a big part of the squad.
Despite this, sources the owners will look to make any money they can for his exit in January rather than allowing him to leave for free.
Fullkrug’s arrival saw many expect Antonio to become a squad option, but West Ham are now eyeing a possible move to sign a new striker as the German is yet to make his mark.
Football Insider revealed on 15 September that the Hammers could opt to cash in on both Antonio and Ings in January to free up space for a new signing.
Letting both strikers leave would clear a significant amount of wages off of the bill at the London Stadium, as well as raising money for reinvestment.
In other news, David Moyes’ stance on a return to Everton has been revealed.
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