West Ham are a 'couple of players' away from fighting for Europe, says Michail Antonio

West Ham will challenge for a place in Europe next season if Slaven Bilic adds to his squad this summer, according to Michail Antonio.

The Hammers moved into the London Stadium amid high hopes they could force their way into continental competition, having secured a seventh-place finish in their final season at the Boleyn Ground.

Yet poor form in the early stages of the season saw such lofty ambitions quickly evaporate. West Ham have recovered to pull clear of the relegation zone and could force their way back into the top-10 before the campaign draws to a close.

But Antonio is adamant West Ham could soon be in contention at the right end of the table if the club brings in a handful of new additions.

“We need to sign a couple of players - a right-back, one more centre-half, two strikers - and get more goals.

"If we can do that, we will be up there for European places," he told ESPN.

A hamstring injury has brought the current campaign to a premature end for Antonio.

But the 27-year-old is aiming to return to fitness in time to take part in pre-season.

Antonio's career in east London proved to be a slow burner but he is now a key member of Bilic's side and a firm fans' favourite.

The Croatian manager has found himself under pressure of late but Antonio is adamant Bilic's presence has been key to his rise.

Antonio added: “He has given me the opportunity to play games and given me the freedom to do what I do on the pitch.

"I need that freedom; I pop up in lots of different positions and he has given me freedom to do that."