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West Ham to refuse Marko Arnautovic’s ludicrous wage demands as Manchester United circle

The striker's brother sparked controversy by admitting the Austrian international wants out in search of Champions League football

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WEST HAM may have to pay £200,000 a week to keep Marko Arnautovic.

That is the staggering figure being quoted to the club as they battle to keep their unsettled striker happy.

 Marko Arnautovic has shared his ambitions to play Champions League football
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Marko Arnautovic has shared his ambitions to play Champions League footballCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The Austrian, 29, is contracted for another four-and-a-half years on £130,000 a week and club insiders feel he is after one final big pay-day.

Hammers chiefs will refuse the £10m-a-year salary as it would shatter their pay structure and upset the dressing room.

Arnautovic said: “It’s clear I want to compete with the best players but in this affair I totally trust my brother.”

Agent brother Danijel said: “Marko is ready for the next step. A player like him should not play against relegation.”

 West Ham may have to fork out £200,000-a-week to keep him at the club
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West Ham may have to fork out £200,000-a-week to keep him at the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
 West Ham would refuse to break their wage structure to keep him at the club
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West Ham would refuse to break their wage structure to keep him at the clubCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Various media sources have linked the Arnautovic with a big money move to Manchester United where he would reunite with Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese boss managed the forward during the duo's time at Inter Milan but their relationship was thought to be turbulent because of the player's attitude.

But he has since matured on and off the field and Mourinho likes his versatility in attack.

Meanwhile Samir Nasri is training with West Ham for NOTHING to prove he can still cut it.

 The Austrian worked under Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan
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The Austrian worked under Jose Mourinho at Inter MilanCredit: Reuters
Patrice Evra isn't happy as Marko Arnautovic blocks him in at training

The ex-Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder, 31, cannot play until January as part of an 18-month doping ban.

But West Ham’s board agreed to a personal plea from first team boss Manuel Pellegrini to give Nasri a chance with the prospect of a six month contract.

Nasri, 31, wants around £80,000 per week if he can show he has still got it.

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