Mourinho contacts Marko Arnautovic agent ahead of £50m deal

Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho has contacted the agent of West Ham star Marko Arnautovic, according to reports in Austria.     

Arnautovic only joined West Ham last summer, playing a crucial part in preserving their Premier League status.

The Austria international cost a club-record £20m – which could rise to £25m with add-ons – and scored 11 goals in his 36 appearances.

But he’s already been linked with a move away from the London Stadium, with Manchester United showing an interest in the 29-year-old forward.

United boss Mourinho added fuel to the speculation after watching Arnautovic in Austria’s friendly win over Russia last month.

And now Austrian publication Osterreich claims Mourinho has contacted Arnautovic’s brother and agent Danijel about a summer move.

United will have to splash the cash if West Ham are to cash in on their star man, with £50m reportedly enough to tempt the Hammers.

Arnautovic admitted he was flattered by the reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford but refused to comment further.

“It’s nice to hear, I haven’t heard anything from my brother, my agent,” he said.

“You can keep asking this question but you’ll never hear the answer from me.”

Arnautovic previously worked under Mourinho during his one-year loan spell at Inter Milan, making three appearances as the Italian club won the 2009/10 treble.