West Ham reluctant to sell Michail Antonio despite striker confirming talks over possible January move

West Ham expect Michail Antonio to remain at the club beyond the end of this month’s transfer window, despite the forward claiming he has held talks over a possible move away.

In an interview with Standard Sport last month, Antonio spoke of his frustration at a reduced role following the £30.5million signing of Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo last summer.

Scamacca is currently sidelined with a knee problem and Danny Ings, brought in in a £12m deal from Aston Villa earlier this month, also suffered a knee issue while making his debut as a substitute last weekend’s victory over Everton and is set for a short spell out.

That leaves Antonio as David Moyes’ only fit striker and it is understood that West Ham, who are yet to receive any formal approach for the player, are unlikely to sanction a sale before next week’s deadline.

Antonio led the line against Everton and has started three of the Hammers’ five Premier League games since the World Cup, but on his The Footballer’s Football Podcast discussed rumours of his departure.

“Honestly, I’ve not ruled anything out,” he said. “Nothing’s been ruled out, there is talks. Whatever happens, happens, if I go, I go. This is what it is. There’s definitely talks happening and that’s what I’m saying, I can’t say anything else.

“I’ve been here for eight-and-a-half years now and I’ve loved every moment of it. Every single moment is somewhere close to my heart and I’ll always be looking out for it. I love the fans, I’ve loved my time at West Ham.

“It’s just one of those things. I’m not saying goodbye, I’m saying basically, if it happens, it happens and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

“I won’t be upset about staying and I’ll definitely be upset if I leave because obviously I’ve enjoyed my time here, but football is football.”