Antonio deserves new West Ham deal, says boss Bilic

Michail Antonio’s form has been a rare bright spot in a stuttering season for West Ham United.

The 26-year-old is the Hammers’ leading scorer in the Premier League with eight goals in 20 appearances.

He has netted 16 times in 46 matches overall for Slaven Bilic’s side after signing from Nottingham Forest in August 2015.

And Bilic is hopeful Antonio will sign a new contract at the London Stadium in the near future.

Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images

“The players have deals, but he is the player who came last season to us and he has improved a lot and came from being a player for the future to one who we gave a chance to be one of our most important players,” Bilic said.

“It’s been long-term, too, and not just the last few games. Last season, since he scored that goal against Southampton, he has basically not stopped.

“He was very good for us last season and he has continued to do it for us this season and when players are playing like that, at a good age as well, then a lot of clubs – at least in the papers – are interested in them and that puts them in a good position for a new deal.

“He definitely deserved it, so it’s a club decision together with my own but for me he has a big-time green light to sign a new deal with us!”