Callum O'Connell

Tue 22 August 2023 16:10, UK

Leeds United transfer target Michail Antonio has been told he will not be allowed to leave West Ham this summer, due to their inability to find a suitable replacement, according to West Ham Football.

The editor of 6foot2 shared the news via his Twitter account on 22 August, stating the club’s difficulty in finding a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca means it is unlikely they would be able to find two new players.

Leeds were linked with Antonio as recently as 7 August, when Football Transfers shared that the Yorkshire club were battling Celtic at the front of the queue to sign the Jamaican striker.

Leeds’ striker woes continue

West Ham aren’t the only club having difficulties replacing their strikers this summer. Patrick Bamford picked up an injury against Hearts in pre-season, pushing Leeds to search for a quick replacement, and three weeks later the club are still searching.

Georginio Rutter is currently the only option for Leeds up front other than youngster Joe Gelhardt, with Willy Gnonto on strike, meaning the club are in desperate need of another striker to improve their attacking threat.

With Antonio off the table, the club will be forced to look elsewhere for recruits. Swansea striker Joel Piroe had been suggested earlier in the window, but news has gone quiet on that front after reports Leeds were put off by a high asking price.

Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer is also an ideal option for Leeds to target, but once again they are being put off by a hefty price tag – this one is said to be around £20million.

This is one to watch.

In other Leeds United news, the 49ers are finally getting their chequebook out as a new deal is set to be finalised.