Hammers wait on Antonio pay increase

Mikey Antonio’s much reported new “big contract” rests very largely on him showing that he can recover fully from his series of hamstring injuries.

There has been regular speculation that the 30 year old is in for a huge rise in a new deal to be agreed ahead of his contract running out at the end of the season and there is no questions a deal will be done.

He has a two year option on his present contract and whilst he is on for an increase to his basic the club want to be sure that he has come through his current injury difficulties before committing themselves to its size.

Mikey has the rest of the season to show that he can overcome his current problems as he looks for a deal in line with the form he showed at the end of this season and ahead of the Manchester City game in which he was injured.

At the same time Mark Noble will be in line for a new deal which will almost certainly be based on games played and backroom duties in which he seems certain to become involved.

He passes 34 in May.