West Ham have always been aware that the summer transfer window will see them face a number of battles but they probably didn’t expect to encounter this particular problem.
Sky Sports claim Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are targeting a swoop for West Ham’s record-signing Marko Arnautovic, who excelled during his debut campaign at the London Stadium.
29-year-old Arnautovic arrived last summer from Stoke City and, after initially struggling to adapt to life with the Hammers, ended up winning the club’s Player of the Year award.
That form has not gone unnoticed and United, despite already boasting the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard, want the Austria international at Old Trafford.
West Ham are unlikely to consider a sale unless the price offered for Arnautovic is at a ridiculous level, though they could face problems if the versatile attacker has his head turned by the club’s interest.
The Red Devils can offer the chance to play Champions League football and that may prove to be difficult for Arnautovic to resist.