Why Felipe Anderson could be set for early West Ham return

Felipe Anderson could be set for an early return to West Ham and his loan deal with Porto cut short, report the Sun.

Anderson, currently on loan in Portugal, could become surplus to requirements if the Portuguese giants persuade Brazilian striker Hulk to return from Chinese club Shanghai SIPG.

Jornal Record report this could happen as early as January, just three months after Anderson joined Porto on a season-long loan.

While occasionally showing star qualities, Anderson’s inconsistent form saw him shipped out this summer.

Since his arrival at the London Stadium for £36m in 2018, the 27-year-old claimed 12 goals and 12 assists in 72 appearances, but had slipped down the pecking order under David Moyes.

The former Lazio player started only three Carabao Cup games this season, going out on loan to Portugal after a potential move to Arsenal failed to materialise.

Porto target Hulk, meanwhile, found the net 57 times in 99 games during his first spell at the Estádio do Dragão between 2008-2012.

The 34-year-old continued his strong scoring form after his move to Zenit Saint Petersburg as well as in China where he has spent the last four years.

Meanwhile, Michail Antonio has returned to training after injury.

“He’s back doing training,” boss David Moyes said at a press conference on Friday morning.

“We’ve got a couple of days yet to see how he is. The truth is I couldn’t give you a complete answer, but he’s getting much closer that’s for sure.”