Brentford make rapid decision on Michail Antonio after West Ham cut all ties

There has been yet another twist to the Michail Antonio situation as Brentford make a rapid decision on signing him after he cut all ties with West Ham.

Like most subjects at West Ham over the last few years, the Michail Antonio situation has divided opinion – almost right down the middle.

Some Hammers fans felt Antonio deserved another year on his contract after a decade at the club.

Others felt it was time to part company after 10 memorable years together.

Strange Antonio situation takes another twist

Antonio has been a free agent since being released by West Ham in August after rejecting a short-term contract on a reduced salary.

The Jamaican striker had continued to train with and play for West Ham’s Under 21s after he confirmed he was weighing up several offers from at home and abroad.

Many believed the Hammers may well end up re-signing the 35-year-old given their lack of forward options and change of manager.

But it emerged this week Antonio is no longer training with the east Londoners.

Instead it emerged that he has been training with West Ham’s London rivals Brentford with a view to earning a contract at the G-tech.

It was revealed Brentford boss Keith Andrews was going to take a close look at Antonio over the international break before deciding whether to offer him a deal.

That raised the sensational prospect of Antonio’s first game for Brentford being against West Ham at the London Stadium.

The situation is made all the more bizarre by the fact Antonio is yet to send a farewell message or video to West Ham fans since being officially released.

Brentford make rapid Antonio decision after West Ham cut all ties

And the Hammers have not officially acknowledged the fact Antonio has now ceased training with the club’s Under 21s.

It is certainly strange given what Antonio means to the club as the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer – for now at least with Jarrod Bowen closing in.

Now there’s been another twist as Brentford have made a rapid decision on Antonio after West Ham cut all ties.

The Evening Standard have confirmed Antonio is training with Brentford, which is closer to his home.

Brentford turn down chance to sign West Ham hero Antonio

Hammers insider ExWHUemployee has stated that Antonio was training with a view to earning a deal with the Bees, who look set to be involved in a season-long relegation battle along with West Ham.

A leading agent source has reiterated that point to Hammers News, when revealing a decision would be made over the break.

Now The Evening Standard has claimed Brentford have no plans to offer Antonio a deal.

That means he will remain a free agent.

Graham Potter had hinted that Antonio could become part of the West Ham coaching staff at some level when he closed the door on his playing career.

Whether Antonio will look to try and continue his playing career after this latest snub remains to be seen.

He defied medics by returning to international football just six months after breaking his leg in four places in that horrific car crash at Epping Forest last December.

The striker has signed up to be a pundit for TNT Sports this season.

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