The outspoken brother and agent of West Ham United star Marko Arnautovic has been up to his old tricks.
Arnautovic tried to force through a big money move to China midway through last season.
The Austrian ended up staying but the whole saga caused major disruption to West Ham’s season just when things had started to click under new boss Manuel Pellegrini.
Central to that controversy was Arnautovic’s brother and agent Danijel.
Like China in your hands
He shook West Ham back in January when he went public on talkSPORT to insist his brother wanted to quit the club for China.
In the end Arnautovic signed a new and improved contract with the Hammers.
But the striker was largely anonymous for the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old did rediscover something like his best form and focus as the season drew to a close, though.
Now Danijel Arnautovic has been speaking out in the press again.
‘He has a good feeling but everything can change’
This time he has a slightly more positive message for fans. But as always seems to be the way it comes with a big caveat.
“Marko still has a contract with West Ham,” Danijel told The Daily Mail.
“He signed the contract with a very good feeling. Nobody has called me in a long time saying they like him and want me to come for talks. Yes there was the offer from China and yes there were talks but there have been no talks with Inter.
“He is a good player and he can play in other very good clubs but he has a contract, his teammates love him, he is a very loved man in the dressing room.
West Ham put foot down
“Football can be very crazy. Everything can change in a matter of hours, you never know. Marko is still happy at the club and happy living in London. He has a good life so everything is ok, it is perfect, but like I said, everything can change.”
Meanwhile The Daily Star claims West Ham will not allow Arnautovic to leave this summer despite reported interest from Inter Milan.
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