Ian Holloway has told wantaway West Ham United star Marko Arnautovic what he should say to his agent brother.
Arnautovic is agitating for a move to China after 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.
It comes after Arnautovic was the subject of bids from Chinese duo Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou Evergrande.
Chinese clubs baulk at Arnie asking price
West Ham won’t start negotiations at anything less than £50million, though.
And according to Sky Sports the striker could now be forced to stay with the Hammers.
Now straight-talking manager Ian Holloway has told Arnautovic what he should say to his agent brother.
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“He’s been sensational for West Ham,” Holloway told Sky Sports’ The Debate.
Holloway offers Arnie his pearls of wisdom
“My advice is tell your brother, who is his agent, ‘Just hold on (a minute)’.
“‘We will get the money one day. Don’t force me out of here now because people are loving me. I’ve got a great manager who has won the Premier League before, who has made a massive difference to who might come here’.
“The difference that Pellegrini has made, I was delighted that he got it (the West Ham job) and I think this fella’ has been sensational as well you know.”
Other options explored
West Ham have been linked with a host of potential replacements including Krzysztof Piatek and Maxi Gomez – read full story here.
But whatever happens West Ham fans need not fret according to Holloway who is adamant ‘sensational’ Pellegrini already has plans in place whatever the outcome – read full story here.
If Arnautovic does stay it will prove former West Ham assistant boss Stuart Pearce right.
Pearce, who managed Arnautovic alongside David Moyes last season, said last week he believed the striker would remain at the club and sign a new deal – read full story here.
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