By West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie

19th May, 2023 | 12:10pm

Pundit backs Michail Antonio to leave West Ham United at the end of the season

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium

Frank McAvennie expects Michail Antonio to leave West Ham this summer despite his recent good form, claiming he could be “playing for a move”.

Antonio found himself as third-choice striker after the signings of Gianluca Scamacca and Danny Ings, but has recently won his place back up front and has had his best goalscoring season this year.

But after coming close to leaving the club in the January transfer window, McAvennie expects teams to show an interest again at the end of the season and believes the Jamaica international will likely go elsewhere.

“I think he’ll go. I would imagine that he’ll go,” he told West Ham Zone.

“He’ll want to play somewhere else. He’s been saying a lot of things. I don’t know if he’s playing for a move, I don’t know.

“I saw his face (v Man City) and he’s up on his own and it’s horrible. When everyone is defending and there’s nobody around you, it’s not nice.

“He puts himself about, but I don’t know if he’s playing for a move.

“I like the boy, I do. He’s a converted winger into a striker but he’s built himself up, he can jump.”

Everton were among the clubs to show an interest in the 33-year-old during the January window and could return if they avoid relegation.