CandH Exclusive
New reports that Michail Antonio has rejected a new West Ham deal were tonight described as “wide of the mark.”
Sky Sports reported: ‘Michail Antonto’s talks over a new West Ham contract are at a standstill after he rejected their first offer.
It is understood the 27-year-old is frustrated that he has not been offered parity with the club’s other top stars having established himself as a key player for Slaven Bilic.
Sky Sports News HQ has been told that Antonio feels he is being penalised for having come from a Championship club, having signed from Nottingham Forest in 2015.”
It added: “It is understood that renewed talks will not take place for the foreseeable future but Antonio is happy at the Hammers and is keen to stay.”
However, when ClaretandHugh put the story on a key insider we were told that no offers had been refused at this stage by the leading contender for Hammer of the Year.
He said: “Both sides have agreed to pick the discussion up once the club emerges from it’s present run of bad results and is entirely safe.
It also needs to be remembered that Michail only signed a new contract nine months ago and still has three years on his contract plus a two year option
“Normally no club would speak to a player with over five years still left, but in recognition of our respect for him an offer will be made as soon as we are 100% clear of relegation worries.
We are on the verge of another money fuelled cock up . We give Noble fortunes of money , we sign Feghouli and co on fortunes of money but as with Sako before we money pinch when our best players want recongnition / equality with other squad members . Imagine how Antonio feels watching talentless workhorses like Noble and Feghouli being paid fortunes but contributing nothing .We now know that Bilic hasn’t got any balls but he should support his better players and tell Gold and Sullivan the facts of life .
None of that is the case as told in story
So he’s waiting to see if we get relegated then…