West Ham are weighing up a third bid for Stoke City midfielder Marko Arnautovic after the club’s second bid was rejected yesterday, reports the Evening Standard.
The Hammers initial bid of £15 million was rebuffed by the Potters earlier this week, and having returned with an improved offer believed to be in the region of £20 million yesterday, Stoke again rejected the offer.
The club are believed to be holding out for up to £25 million for the Austria international. Arnautovic handed in a transfer request at the start of the week, however Stoke are insistent they will not sell one of their prized assets unless the price is right.
The Austrian forward has now emerged as Slaven Bilic’s first-choice target as he looks to replace the departed Enner Valencia and outgoing Sofiane Feghouli and to add pace and power in wide areas.
Co-owner David Gold spoke of a desire to add proven Premier League experience to the Hammers squad and the club are now deciding as to whether pursue Arnautovic further or use the funds on other players linked with he club such as Javier Hernandez, who is reportedly a £13 million target for the Irons.
