West Ham United manager David Moyes has said he has ‘no intention’ of selling Michail Antonio this month, despite speculation surrounding his future.

The 32-year-old recently said on his podcast that there was a chance he could leave after holding talks with unnamed clubs, but added he would be ‘upset’ to do so.

But now, it looks like the Englishman will be staying with the Hammers until at least the end of the season, despite them being linked with signing another striker before the window closes.

Antonio joined West Ham back in 2015 and since he has been one of the club’s most important players, netting 66 goals and making 42 assists in 254 appearances across all competitions.

The 32-year-old has also been key to the team’s recent success, as they finished in sixth place in the Premier League in 2020/21 and seventh in 2021/22, when they also reached the Europa League semi-final.

Despite this, Antonio has fallen down the pecking order this season following the arrival of centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca.

Furthermore, extra competition has recently come in the shape of Danny Ings, although he has already suffered an injury, which may have been key to Moyes’ decision to keep his veteran striker.

However, the Hammers have also been heavily linked with a move for Lorient goal machine Terem Moffi, so Antonio may also have to compete with him if they get a deal over the line.

Moyes says ‘we want him here’ amid Antonio speculation

Moyes broke the silence regarding Antonio on Friday, confirming that he has no desire to sell him in the current window.

As reported by BBC Sport, he said: “Antonio said [he could leave] but we here have got no intention of doing anything,” Moyes said.

“Sometimes players choose to do that, some of them want to go. But at the moment we want [him] here, we want him playing well, we want him scoring goals, and we’re happy to have him.”

Antonio, who has been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers and a loan move to Chelsea, said he would be upset if he left West Ham.

“Honestly, I’ve not ruled anything out. That’s all I can say. Nothing has been ruled out. There are talks, so whatever happens, happens,” he said on The Footballer’s Football Podcast.

“I won’t be upset about staying and I’ll definitely be upset if I leave because obviously I’ve enjoyed my time here, but football is football.

“Players move, players stay and eight-and-a-half years at one club, I would never have thought of it because before I came to West Ham the most I stayed at a club was two years.”

Indeed, the Hammers will need Antonio on top form for the second half of the season, as they look to avoid a relegation battle. They currently find themselves just one point outside the drop zone.

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The article David Moyes breaks silence on future of West Ham senior striker after ‘talks’ held with Wolves target appeared first on Teamtalk.com.