**Simon Jordan says he would be reluctant to give Michail Antonio a new West Ham contract.**
Antonio, the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, having scored 83 goals in 323 appearances in all competitions, was involved in a car crash in December but has said he is determined to return to action.
But Antonio turns 35 later this month and former Crystal Palace owner Jordan has questioned whether it would be a good idea to renew the player’s contract when it expires this summer.
Speaking on Talksport, Jordan suggested a play-as-you-play deal might be a sensible option.
Jordan said: “At 35, would you be giving him a top contract anyway, irrespective of this circumstance?
“Secondly, this is not an injury that happened as a result of football. This was an injury that was created in his own universe and West Ham have been very supportive economically by paying his contract.
“So unless he can perform, and exhibit that he can perform, then as mean-spirited as certain people might think it is – and those people can be very quick to judge, and if it was their pocket they would probably have the same view – I would be disinclined to give him a new contract.
“I’d be prepared to give him an opportunity, a pay-and-play deal and something of that nature, and if he could get back to the level he was at before, of course I’d entertain the idea (of a new contract).
If you do a pay-and-play deal, he’ll back himself. If you turn around and say ‘I’ll give you what your weekly wage was if you play – and if you play it means you’re at the level that you were before’.
“Why would you give him money if he can’t play? What would be the purpose?”
Antonio has insisted that he plans to resume his career once he recovers from his injuries.
But Jordan said: “What he says he can do and what he can do are two different things.
“No-one’s questioning Michail Antonio’s fortitude or ability to rehabilitate, but when you’ve been through these sort of situations it’s very unlikely that you’re going to be the same.
“You’ve got two factors. Is he going to be the same? And age also comes into play.”