West Ham boss admits club close to extending star’s contract

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has admitted that Michail Antonio is close to signing a new deal at the London Stadium. 

Having taken time to establish himself as a first team regular for the Hammers, the Englishman is now considered one of the club’s key men. 

Chelsea were recently strongly linked with a move for Antonio as they looked to bolster their squad. 

Bilic though has confirmed that Antonio, who only signed a new contract in July until 2020, will be handed a fresh deal with improved terms soon. 

When asked on Antonio’s new deal, Bilic was quoted by Sky Sports as saying: "He definitely deserves it, with his behaviour, his work-rate, his quality, his energy, and his goals and assists that he's providing us. 

"The player came to us last season and he improved a lot. He came basically from one of the players for the future to the stage where he is one of the most important players for us in the long term. 

"It is not like a few games or whatever. It was last season since he scored that goal against Southampton (his first for the club), and basically then he didn't stop. 

"He was very good for us last season and then he continued to do the same this season. When the players are playing like that, in a good age as well, that has put him in a good position for a new deal." 

Antonio, 26, has scored eight goals in the Premier League this season, six of which have been headers, more than any other player.

For more stats on Michail Antonio, click here to view his WhoScored player page