West Ham news: This may be real reason for transfer ‘gamble’ after Moyes reveal – pundit
Kevin Phillips has suggested Michail Antonio is the real reason West Ham failed to sign a striker during the January transfer window.
The former Sunderland hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Hammers’ targets may be wary of joining when the 31-year-old looks nailed on for a starting spot.
As quoted by BT Sport on Friday (4 February), Moyes insisted West Ham have not taken a “risk” by failing to bring in another striker last month.
He revealed he wants “real competition”, rather than a “backup” option, for Antonio.
However, Phillips suggested other strikers would be concerned about their prospective playing time.
Phillips told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs: “From afar, when you look at West Ham, you just know that when Antonio’s fit, he plays. It’s as simple as that.
“Generally, David Moyes plays with a lone striker. It’s about finding that player who’s going to come and know you’re only going to play cup games and when Antonio’s not fit.
“It’s a difficult one. Unless they (a new striker) can mould their game and play as one of the three, but West Ham have got those players who can do that.
“I hope it doesn’t come back to haunt them as the season goes on. It’s a slight gamble.”
Antonio has played 26 times already this season, with nine goals and eight assists to his name.
Jarrod Bowen has been Moyes’ preferred backup option for the Jamaica international.
In other news, pundit claims West Ham could save millions on their “top target” after record bid reveal.