Everton want Michail Antonio and are ready to launch a late move for the West Ham United striker ahead of the transfer deadline.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (29/01, p78), who claim that three Premier League clubs are now plotting bids for Antonio.
It’s stated that Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all interested in signing Antonio.
Antonio is open to leaving the Hammers as he has just 18 months left on his contract and is being somewhat phased out at West Ham with the signing of Danny Ings.
That is giving all three clubs real hope of prising Antonio away from the London Stadium in the coming days.
An injury to Ings does complicate matters but Antonio’s name could be prominent in the final days of the transfer window.
Everton move may be tempting for Michail Antonio
Everton certainly need to find a striker before the transfer deadline.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin isn’t quite the force he once was and Neal Maupay hasn’t looked threatening since his summer arrival.
Maybe the Toffees now want to bring in a proven Premier League goalscorer in Antonio, though there are questions over him too.
The 32-year-old has scored just twice in 19 Premier League games this season, starting nine times and coming off the bench 10 times.
Antonio will soon turn 33 and Everton should be wary of committing big money – whether it’s wages or transfer fees – on ageing players.
The move may well appeal to Antonio though, who has hinted that he may be keen on leaving this month.
David Moyes has suggested that West Ham aren’t really talking about an exit – it’s Antonio who is sparking the discussions.
The Injury to Ings leaves West Ham hoping to cling on to Antonio, but if Everton do come up with an offer and give Antonio a promise of regular action, the move will certainly appeal.
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