Commenting on speculation that Paolo is a target - speculation, incidentally, that erroneously claims he could even play for them in the FA Cup this weekend, when in fact the deadline would have been last Friday! - he says:
"I think if there is an interest from Manchester United you could see why because Paolo would solve a problem for them, I have no doubt.
"Paolo can play in that role that they have tried to get Paul Scholes to play in, behind the striker, and the role that Teddy Sheringham played for many years.
"And he can also do things that can win you Champions' League games, so to get him on a short term contract for two years would make a great end to Paolo's career, and I think he would love it.
"It is very hard to gauge how much a player at 33 is worth but West Ham fans would say 'what can you buy for the money you would get for him?'.
"I think there would be mixed feelings because a lot of people think that Jermain needs a little bit of a run in the side to prove himself and that maybe Paolo is stopping Jermain getting a run, but on the other hand, particularly at home, Paolo does so well.
"It was a great signing by Harry Redknapp when everyone said it was a gamble; he has shown some wonderful pieces of skill over the years.
"They have to look at it in terms of what is best for the squad and I don't think Paolo would be able to accept a spell on the sidelines at West Ham, but any player would want to go to Manchester United.
"It's just a case of 'watch this space' and I imagine if it happens it has got to happen very soon because Fergie has got to get his use out of him in the Champions' League, and would probably like to get him bedded in the side before then.
"If it happens it happens soon and if it doesn't West Ham have got a wonderful player on their books."
Tony does not know why the speculation has become so intense in recent days, and unfortunate press men who gathered at the Chadwell Heath training ground at 8:45 in the morning hoping to catch Paolo were none the wiser - he was at home ill.
But Tony, speculating on the speculation as it were, says:
"Sometimes it just leaks out from players' agents - Paolo's contract is up in 18 months - and it might be a case of saying 'if you don't want to sell him, give him a new contract' but a lot of it is toing and froing from both sides.
"If there was interest from Manchester United, though, how could Glenn deny the chance of Paolo playing in the Champions' League?"
If he was sold - and, even if a bid did come in, he would command a healthy fee - the question then would be how to reinvest the money.
"It is very difficult," says Tony, "I think the money might go on bringing in an experienced striker on loan until the end of the season, until the finances are there for next season.
"Or, if the club did want to speculate, you could add to that money and bring someone in; but it is always easy to sell players, and not so easy to bring quality players in."