West Ham United is determined to retain the services of Marko Arnautovic after Vivaro News suggested Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was watching the Austrian against Russia on Wednesday, according to The Evening Standard's Jack Rosser.
Without Arnautovic, the Irons could be planning routes to Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic for next season. Instead, West Ham is preparing for a seventh consecutive term in the top flight after finishing 13th under departed boss David Moyes.
As it enters a new era under newly-appointed tactician Manuel Pellegrini, West Ham does not want to sell its instrumental forward. Arnautovic flourished under the tutelage of Moyes, going goalless and not tallying an assist before the Scot's November unveiling, and then netting 11 times and teeing up six goals by the end of the season.
Mourinho previously oversaw Arnautovic at Inter and is looking to conduct summer business that will help United close the gap behind local rival and reigning Premier League champion Manchester City.
Much of the Red Devils' attacking emphasis currently rests on the shoulders of Romelu Lukaku. In the eight league and FA Cup matches Lukaku didn't start last season, United tallied 11 goals - and he scored or assisted four of those as a substitute.
