Michail Antonio vows to fight for his West Ham place after rejected transfer bids but says Danny Ings can stay on the bench

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Michail Antonio has vowed to fight for his West Ham place after rejected transfer bids but says Danny Ings can stay on the bench.

Antonio has not been a happy Hammer this season with new-found competition from £35m summer signing Gianluca Scamacca – and now January signing Ings too.

Since Scamacca arrived and took his place, Antonio has complained about his lack of game time and appeared somewhat demotivated.

But there have been signs of improvement with Antonio playing a big part in West Ham’s vital 2-0 win over Everton before scoring in the 2-0 FA Cup victory over Derby.

Everton and Wolves were reportedly very keen on signing the West Ham forward last month (BBC Sport).

And according to The Guardian – as also reported by The Metro – Chelsea’s injury crisis even saw them enquire about the possibility of taking the West Ham forward on a cheap loan until the end of the season.

Last week Antonio spoke candidly about rumours linking him with a West Ham exit, stating there had ‘been talks’ about a move away.

But he remained at West Ham where the focus now turns to Premier League survival and a tough run of games against Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs.

Speaking on the latest Footballer’s Football Podcast, the Hammers’ Jamaican striker has revealed two clubs saw bids rejected for his services in January.

Ings picked up an injury just 25 seconds into his West Ham debut against Everton. But David Moyes has revealed the £15m signing could make a speedy return for the game at Newcastle.

Now Antonio has vowed to fight for his West Ham place after the rejected transfer bids but says Ings can stay on the bench.

“A couple of bids came in for me but the club said they did not want to let me go right now,” Antonio said on the Footballer’s Football Podcast.

“I said, ‘no problem, I’ll stay and fight for my place’ and that’s it. When I get the opportunity to play, I will do my best. Hopefully my performances keep going that way and I keep doing well…

“They’ve (West Ham) bought in a goalscorer, who’s injured at the moment but will hopefully come back in the next few weeks.

“But he’ll be on the bench for a while,” Antonio said lightheartedly.

“While I’m playing, he can make his contributions from the bench!”

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