West Ham sources: Major update on Michail Antonio’s future
West Ham star Michail Antonio will not make a decision on playing for Jamaica until the end of the season, Football Insider understands.
Sky Sports reported last month that the Hammers forward, 30, had been approached by the Jamaican Football Federation about representing them at international level.
It is said Antonio is “passionate” about playing for Jamaica and is keen to be part of the squad for the Gold Cup matches in July and the CONCACAF qualifiers in September.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that Antonio has yet to fully make his mind up on the national team and wants to focus on his club’s push for the top four.
He will then look to make a decision on his international allegiance at the end of the campaign.
Antonio, who was born in London to Jamaican parents, was previously approached by Jamaica in 2016.
He has been called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate as well as former manager Sam Allardyce.
But Antonio has yet to win his first England cap and would be free to represent Jamaica until he does so.
Antonio has been in outstanding form over the last year and is playing the best football of his career.
He has scored 16 goals in 35 matches since David Moyes took over West Ham for a second time last season and deployed him as a striker.
Antonio’s campaign has been interrupted by hamstring problems but he has made 16 league starts among 19 appearances, scoring seven goals and assisting three.
In other news, Alex McLeish has claimed West Ham are closing in on a “fabulous” new signing.