Talks about West Ham attacker Michail Antonio potentially facing an exit in January with Crystal Palace thought to be keen are now almost non-existent, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source shared that there was big speculation surrounding the 28-year-old, who earns £70,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), that the London club may be ready to listen to offers for him.
Claret & Hugh report that according to stories they heard while Pellegrini has spoken about the player needing to be more clinical, the real issue that fuelled January exit talk regarding the player was due to the manager preferring passing players, with Antonio not fitting that mould.
However as the Hammers’ site states after appearing to add new sides to his game, exit talk regarding Antonio is barely a whisper now.
OPINION
Claret & Hugh previously reported in November that the Hammers could sell Antonio to Palace due to them potentially making a very tempted offer, in the region of £12million, but clearly the player has done enough to stay put. This news will be welcomed by Hammers fans as Antonio has previously provided them with some very memorable moments. As it stands the 28-year-old’s injury problems that ruined his 2017/18 campaign seem to be behind him and he is regularly being called upon to play. While Antonio’s displays at the start of the season were well below his ability, his form does seem to have improved as of late. The 28-year-old was clinical against Fulham to help his side beat the strugglers 2-0 and was on the scoresheet during the recent 3-1 win over Palace as well where he played well as a right-back. If Antonio can continue to improve with each passing game, you feel he’ll be at the London Stadium for a few years yet.
