'I've Heard...' - Ex-Irons Scout: West Ham could accept offer for big name in January

Michail Antonio continues to attract interest from Saudi Arabia and could leave West Ham in January, according to the club’s former senior scout.

Mick Brown, who worked at the London Stadium until leaving alongside David Moyes at the end of last season, exclusively told Football Insider that a move to the Middle East remains an option for him after strong interest in recent years.

Football Insider reported in 2023 that Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq had been closely tracking a deal for the striker, and Brown has insisted the interest from the Middle East has lingered.

The 34-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season as things stand, but the offer of a permanent move in January could prove tempting to the Hammers’ board.

Antonio remains a key part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad and has started six of their seven games in all competitions so far this season.

Niclas Fullkrug has so far struggled to adapt to the Premier League since his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, leaving the Jamaican as the starting number nine.

Despite the regular game time he has been afforded, Antonio is not seen as a long-term option, and could now be moved on to Saudi Arabia.

Michail Antonio could quit West Ham in January move to Saudi Arabia

Football Insider revealed on 30 September that the Hammers are set to entertain offers for the striker when the January transfer window opens.

However, there is a feeling that a new striker will have to be signed before they allow the Jamaican to leave given their shortage of options up front.

Brown, who has retained strong connections after his time at West Ham, has insisted that the board will look to secure a transfer fee for his services rather than letting him leave for free.

“If somebody comes in for him in the January window, knowing them, they’ll probably try to get some money for him,” he told Football Insider.

“The links with a move to Saudi Arabia happened after I’d left the club.

“But, from what I’ve heard from people at West Ham, that could still be an option for him.

“He’s a lad who’s done brilliantly since he joined West Ham, but there’s an issue where after an hour in a game, he’s gone.

“That’s just the way I saw it when I was watching him and I think that’s an issue.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave when his contract runs out at the end of the season, but I can see them getting some money for him in January.”

In other news, David Moyes’ stance on a return to Everton has been revealed.

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The post 'I've Heard...' - Ex-Irons Scout: West Ham could accept offer for big name in January appeared first on Football Insider.