West Ham could pull off major coup after approach made to sign Antonio ally – pundit
West Ham need to sign a new striker like Adam Hlozek in January to get the best out of Michail Antonio, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds forward, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 31-year-old could do with someone to take the pressure off his shoulders.
As revealed by Football Insider on Monday (13 December), West Ham have made an approach to sign Hlozek, 19, as they look to negotiate a deal with Sparta Prague.
The teenage hitman is among the Irons’ top targets next month as David Moyes looks to bolster his attack.
Whelan suggested Hlozek’s arrival would help Antonio get back to his best in east London.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s very hard to be consistent all the way through the season. Moyes will have known there was going to be a dip somewhere this season.
“He’ll be hoping this is it and it’s just going to last two to three games. I think, sometimes, this tells you that maybe you need a fresh face in January. Just to strengthen in certain areas and help out Michail Antonio.
“When strikers are going through that little bit of a sticky patch, sometimes it’s nice to have that help from somebody else. A fresh face, someone else that can contribute, take a bit of pressure off your shoulders.
“It is a long arduous season. It’s very tough with so many games going on in Europe and in the Premier League. It’s very difficult to maintain that kind of tempo and that quality all the time.
“They maybe need to dip into the market. Bring in a fresh face, liven things up again in that changing room.
“If they do manage Hlozek over the line, then that will give that help to Antonio that he desperately needs as well. He could be the answer that they’re looking for.”
Antonio enjoyed an excellent start to the season, scoring five goals in as many Premier League appearances.
However, he has not scored in West Ham’s last eight top-flight games.
In other news, West Ham tipped to sign Premier League defender for £5million less than asking price.