OPINION
Newcastle United must swoop in and snap up West Ham’s Michail Antonio as West Ham are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the talented player.
As previously reported by the Guardian the 28-year-old winger will be sold by the Hammers if the right offer is submitted for his services and this means the Magpies need to hurry to put in a bid.
There will be intense competition for the winger’s signature as the Hammers are foolish to even consider parting company with him.
Antonio may be on some hefty wages, £70,000-a-week (as stated by Spotrac) but he is worth his weight in gold when fit.
The winger aside from being able to play on either flank is also a capable right-back and his versatility is a welcomed addition to any Premier League squad.
While his 2017/2018 campaign wasn’t the most successful as he managed only 21 appearances due to injuries, it’s too soon to write him off in the top-flight just yet.
Antonio previously showed during his time at the Hammers that he is a player capable of excelling in the Premier League and with Rafa Benitez’s guidance he would be sensation at St James Park.
The 28-year-old is able to be an attacking spark that will hopefully help the misfiring hitmen at the Magpies by inspiring them to find the back of the net more often than not in their next campaign.
While Benitez’ priority isn’t signing a new winger, which is arguably where Antonio shines brightest, the Magpies can’t afford to not make the most of the Hammers wrongly discarding a top quality talent.
Therefore while the Guardian’s report is vague on what fee the 28-year-old will be allowed to depart the London Stadium for, the Magpies at the very least should be on the phone right now enquiring.
