Leeds United have been linked with a move for West Ham United striker Michail Antonio this week.
According to Football Transfers, Antonio is desperate to leave the Hammers before the end of the window with Leeds and Celtic among the sides prepared to offer him an escape route from the club.
Leeds are in need of strengthening their options in attack before the end of the window with both Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter currently on the sidelines.
Antonio has emerged as the latest option for Leeds, who appears to be looking for a fresh challenge away from the capital after eight years at West Ham.
Given West Ham have just lost Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, it is unclear whether they would sanction the exit of another striker until a replacement is brought in.
Leeds now want Antonio who Guardiola thinks is ‘so strong’
Since changing his position from a direct wide player, to a central number nine, Antonio has established himself as a real handful to deal with in the Premier League.
And Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reiterated that point following a 2-2 draw at West Ham back in May 2022, stating how difficult it is to deal with someone as ‘strong’ as him in an interview with Sky Sports.
“He goes to the gym every day this guy, he’s so strong. Handling Antonio is not easy. They were brilliant.”
Antonio would certainly offer something different to Leeds‘ attacking options but whether he is what they need in that position is another question.
At 33, Antonio has never really been overly prolific in his career and his injury record also leaves something to be desired, which is something Leeds can ill afford to have.
However, there is no doubt he would be a handful for Championship defences should he come in.
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