Hughes puts block on Arnautovic move

Stoke City boss has admitted that Mark Hughes Marko Arnautovic has put in a transfer request after rejecting a bid from the Irons.

Arnautovic is clearly angling for a move to the London Stadium after the Hammers are understood to have put in a bid of £15 million.

Hughes told the Stoke Sentinel: “Well, Marko and his people have put in a transfer request but that happens on occasions. Any comings and goings are at our discretion and it’s our decision ultimately.

“Players can express an opinion or a view in terms of where they see their future but at the end of the day contracted players are contracted to the club and ultimately we have the final say.”

Arnautovic started Stoke’s first pre-season friendly tonight, limping off at half-time in a 1-0 win over Neuchatel Xamax.