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Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho transfer boost as pundit tips target to move… on one condition
WEST HAM striker and reported Manchester United target Marko Arnautovic will leave the Hammers - but only at the end of the season.
West Ham: Arnautovic WILL look for move says Dean Ashton
That is the opinion of former West Ham and England forward Dean Ashton.
Arnautovic has been linked with a move away from West Ham in recent weeks.
The Austrian fuelled speculation over his future last week while on international duty, claiming he wanted to play against Europe’s best players, suggesting a potential move to a Champions League club.
But on Sunday he confirmed he was concentrating on West Ham and their visit of Manchester City this Saturday.
I think if he gets the chance he’ll be off to, what he will class as, a bigger club
Manchester United were said to be keen on Arnautovic in the summer window but a deal never materialised.
And recent reports have once again linked the Red Devils with the 29-year-old.
Ashton is a big fan of Arnautovic and reckons he will be on his way out of the London Stadium if an opportunity to join a bigger club arises - but not until next summer.
“When Arnautovic came to West Ham he was awful to start with, but David Moyes really got the best out of him and got him working extremely hard as that lone striker,” Ashton said on talkSPORT.
“I’ve been majorly impressed with him. He’s got way more power and pace than I thought and he’s a much better finisher than I thought he was at Stoke.
“He has got the ability to go to the next level and it wouldn’t surprise me if he wanted to do that.
“As a player you’ve got one chance and you’ve got to be selfish at times.
“I wouldn’t be necessarily be looking at the fact he puts the irons arms to the fans and pumps his chest, I don’t think that means anything to be honest.
Marko Arnautovic: 'Now is the time to move' says Durham
“I think if he gets the chance he’ll be off to, what he will class as, a bigger club.
“But not in January, I think West Ham have got to keep him this season because he’s so important to them.
“Keep him until the summer and then look at getting a good price for him.”
Arnautovic has scored 16 goals for West Ham in 46 appearances since joining from Stoke in 2017 for £25million.