Manuel Pellegrini could be handed a boost over Marko Arnautovic’s future thanks to West Ham United hate figure Dimitri Payet.
Arnautovic has been heavily linked with a big money move to China.
His agent and brother Danijel told talkSPORT that the West Ham talisman has made his mind up and wants to leave.
The Hammers have taken a hardline stance and issued a short statement insisting their talisman is not for sale.
Pellegrini reiterated that nothing had been decided over the Austrian’s future when he addressed the press on Thursday.
It comes after Arnautovic was the subject of a £35million bid from Shanghai SIPG (Sky Sports).
‘Snake’ Payet to the rescue?
But could there be a twist in the tail thanks to none other than former Hammers star Dimitri Payet?
According to Sky Sports, SIPG are now targeting the Frenchman who famously refused to play for West Ham to force a return to former club Marseille two years ago.
Payet is 32 in March and Sky claim Shanghai are prepared to offer him a contract which would more than double his wages to over £200,000 a week.
And that means there could be a delicious irony that sees Payet – labelled a snake by angry Hammers fans – keep Arnautovic at West Ham.
SIPG already oversubscribed, Payet AND Arnie unlikely
The Chinese Super League has introduced strict new rules on foreign players and spending.
It is geared towards encouraging the use of homegrown players.
SIPG already have Brazilian trio Hulk, Oscar and Elkeson in their squad.
As a result it would be highly unlikely SIPG would be able to bring in both Payet and Arnautovic.
‘You say goodbye and I say hello’
Some West Ham fans had made peace with the idea of Arnautovic leaving the club.
Particularly after the Hammers were linked with exciting potential replacements such as Maxi Gomez and Krzysztof Piatek.
Likewise there are a section who want to see the talismanic forward remain at the club.
It would mean less upheaval for the club, though, which could also be a positive.
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