Ex-West Ham free agent 'holds talks' with Championship side ahead of Ipswich Town, QPR and Watford games

Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio held talks with Leicester City on Thursday and is training with the former Premier League club as a free agent, according to a number of reports.

The former Hammers man left the club at the end of the season after his contract at the London Stadium expired. He was involved in a near-fatal car accident in December 2024 and has not played a competitive senior game of club football since the incident.

"It's weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told that I was awake and was speaking to everybody - the police, the people, and the person who found me," he told BBC Sport back in March when he opened up about the incident.

"My leg was completely shattered and they got me out and put a splint on it by the side of the car.

"Everyone believed I got an air ambulance out, but the helicopter couldn't get off the ground because of the storm, so I was driven to the hospital."

Antonio went to see the remains of his car and said: "It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. It just made me realise how close I was to dying. I had seen the pictures but it was 10 times worse in person. The car was an absolute mess. It was difficult for me."

According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Antonio is training with Championship side Leicester and was at the club’s training ground for talks on Thursday. Nothing has been decided as Leicester prepare to face Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.

They then face QPR at Loftus Road in their final game before Christmas with a clash at home to Watford on Boxing Day. talkSPORT has also reported that Antonio is training with the Foxes ahead of a possible return to football.

Back in August, West Ham confirmed the striker had departed but they confirmed they would continue to provide support.

“Michail will always be a much-loved and respected member of the West Ham United family. As has been the case since December, the Club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed,” it read.

“Dialogue continues over his future involvement with the Club in an alternative capacity - including one that would enable others to benefit from his experience and leadership qualities - and he will forever hold a special place in our 130-year history.”

Antonio does appear keen to continue his playing career and could now get that chance with Leicester.