West Ham’s talks with Michail Antonio over a contract have stalled, with the winger’s representatives holding out for a salary of £70,000 a week for the club’s top scorer.
Slaven Bilic confirmed on Thursday Antonio will not play again this season after suffering a “significant” hamstring injury in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Swansea – an injury that could threaten his participation in England’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland on 10 June.
It is understood the 27-year-old has rejected the latest offer, despite Bilic saying on 5 April the player signed from Nottingham Forest in 2015 would be offered a deal this summer.
Antonio, who has scored nine Premier League goals this season, signed a contract extension until 2020 last summer but has become a key player for West Ham despite their struggles. He is believed to consider the offer way below his market value given his performances.
Chelsea are among clubs to have shown an interest in Antonio, although at this stage there has been no official approaches for the player who began his career at non-league Tooting & Mitcham.
Bilic made no secret of his disappointment with Antonio’s absence as West Ham prepare to face Sunderland on Sunday. “It is a significant injury, he is out for the season,” he said. “It’s a big blow, he is one of our best players.”
