West Ham United have started planning for life next season. They are looking to add some star players to the club but Slaven Bilic is now concerned about the future of one Michail Antonio.
The versatile English star has been one of the best players for the Hammers this season and is wanted by a number of clubs in the summer. Bilic is desperate to keep him and has offered him a new deal but Antonio and his representative are reportedly holding out for a salary of £70,000-a-week, which West Ham are still pondering over.
Meanwhile, top clubs in the League are already after him and here are three perfect destinations for the Englishman this summer, if talks break down before the end of the season:
Manchester United:
The Red Devils have some of the finest youngsters on display in the Premier League but Mourinho is looking for established stars that can take them ahead next season and Antonio is one those players linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Strong and athletic, Antonio can cement a place on one of the wings next season and will suit United’s style of play. Strong in the air and productive in dangerous areas, Antonio is not afraid to take on his man and find his way to goal, something United have missed in most matches this season. Surely, the 27-year old is a great option for the Red Devils.
Chelsea:
Another club who will be ready to pounce on the West Ham man is Antonio Conte’s, Chelsea. The Italian manager is in the market for a backup striker, a winger and a wing-back and Antonio is all three.
He has played in each of those positions in his time at the Olympic Stadium and a tiny shift to a different club in London can do him a world of good.
His addition means that Conte will not have to spend on a right-back and though he might want to spend on a first team player, Antonio, and his versatility is sure to help Chelsea in trying to have a similar season next time around.
Liverpool:
Though not linked with him yet, Antonio is just the kind of player Liverpool are missing at the moment. His strength in the air and his versatility is everything Klopp is looking for in his players this summer and Antonio could be the perfect fit.
Capable of playing as a winger, Antonio can add genuine width to the attack that has been lacking at Liverpool while his ability to play as a false-9 should also appeal to Klopp. He will add an extra threat in set pieces and could solve more than one problem at Anfield next season.
Again, Klopp and the Reds faithful might want established stars but Antonio’s experience in the Premier League could be a telling factor.
Where do you think Antonio will play next season?
