West Ham lead Aston Villa and Newcastle to sign player Michail Antonio knows well
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Brighton are watching defender Richard King but West Ham United currently lead the race to bring Michail Antonio’s Jamaica team-mate to the Premier League.
While the Jamaican national team are looking to secure the services of foreign-born talents eligible to represent them on the international stage – Marseille’s Mason Greenwood and Fulham’s Reiss Nelson are on the Reggae Boyz radar – new manager Steve McClaren has already inherited a squad consisting of some exciting, homegrown talent.
Richard King, 19 caps to his name already at the age of just 22, may be the jewel in the crown of this current Jamaican generation.
King currently plays for Cavalier FC, the Jamaican Premier League champions for 2023/24. But perhaps not for much longer.
HITC understands that there are at least four clubs based in England’s top flight who have been watching the 6ft 1ins colossus of late.
West Ham United lead Aston Villa and Newcastle in Richard King race
Aston Villa are interested, in the hope of linking King up with his Jamaica team-mate Leon Bailey. Newcastle are interested too, perhaps viewing the right-footed defender as a long-term successor for an ageing Fabian Schar.
Brighton are in the mix also. The Seagulls boast a formidable track record when it comes to signing under-the-radar talent from less heralded markets.
King would arrive at The Amex hoping to follow in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and co.
As it stands, however, the club currently leading the race for King’s signature is West Ham United.
