Crystal Palace are maintaining an interest in pursuing West Ham attacker Michail Antonio in the January window, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news outlet claim that Palace boss Roy Hodgson is a long-term admirer of the 28-year-old even though he is no longer a guaranteed starter at the London Stadium.
Claret & Hugh report that while Manuel Pellegrini isn’t keen to sell any member of his squad, a loan move with an option to buy at the end of the season remains a possibility for Antonio.
The Guardian previously reported in the summer that Palace were in hot pursuit of the Hammers first teamer as Hodgson was thought to be impressed by the player’s versatility.
OPINION
It seems Antonio may be exiting the London Stadium if Palace get their way once the January window opens. Hodgson’s side were constantly linked to the winger in the summer and it seems their desire for him hasn’t stopped, despite the season not being underway. While Antonio has struggled this season if he was to be loaned out before having his exit permanently being sanctioned, it would still be a surprise. The attacker has played nine times across all competitions for the Hammers this season and has featured in all but one of their Premier League outings so far. Antonio may not be starting games but it seems Pellegrini regularly looks to him in order to make a difference from the bench. Hopefully the Hammers end up making the right decision over the 28-year-old as would be bold if they let him go to a rival in the winter market. If Antonio departs then it seems likely that Pellegrini will dip his toe back in the transfer market to recruit a new face to replace him.
