West Ham transfer news: Chelsea blow as Hammers winger Michail Antonio set to sign new £70,000-a-week deal
Blues had been chasing the 26-year-old with Antonio Conte seeking cover for 3-4-3 formation
MICHAIL ANTONIO has been handed a bumper new wage by West Ham to end Chelsea's interest.
The Blues had been chasing the winger, but the Hammers are set to DOUBLE his wages to keep him in east London.
The 26-year-old is West Ham's top scorer this season - with eight Premier League goals - and has emerged as a key player since joining from Nottingham Forest in September 2015.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had identified Antonio as a player who could fill the vital role of right wingback in his 3-4-3 formation.
Victor Moses has been in the form of his life in the position, but the Blues do not have many other options.
No formal approach was made by Chelsea, but the speculation has prompted West Ham to increase Antonio's wages from £35,000 to £70,000-a-week, according to the .
With Dimitri Payet expected to leave the East End this January, West Ham were keen not to lose another of Slaven Bilic's key men.
The Hammers have already rejected to bids for Payet and are holding out for £25million for the striking star.
West Ham have also seen three bids rejected for Brentford striker Scott Hogan.
The Bees are holding out for £15m for the striker, who has 14 goals in the Championship so far.