Big twist in Hammer Antonio’s Saudi deal

Michael Antonio’s much speculated move to Saudi Arabia is looking increasingly unlikely to happen.

The 33 year old Hammers number nine has been linked with a switch to Stevie Gerrard’s outfit for some days now after looking set for a move to Wolves last season.

And although her has apparently discussed personal terms with Al Ettifaq we understand that the Saudi club is disinterested in paying a fee for him.

That’s an extraordinary situation given the player currently has a year left on his deal plus an option for another year and there is no chance of the club letting him leave on a free two years ahead of his contract expiring.

Antonio is clearly keen to get one more big pay day before his career comes to an end but the Jamaican international won’t be seeing it happen unless the Saudis change their approach,

A Hammers source had told us that Al Ettifaq had not been in touch with them – now we know why!