Marko Arnautovic’s move to China has fallen through after Guangzhou Evergrande pulled out of a move for the forward, according to the Daily Mail.
The Austrian has been heavily linked with a move to the Far East this January, but it is understood that the Chinese side have opted out of a £45million move for the ex-Stoke City man following a rethink.
The 29-year-old stood to earn around £280,000 per week from the transfer, and was believed to be keen on the move.
It is not known at this stage whether or not a deal will be revived before the Chinese transfer window closes on February 28th.
OPINION
If this is true then it is the worst case scenario for Arnautovic. After widespread reports, and even a statement from his agent and brother, suggesting that he had his heart set on a move, for it to fall through at the eleventh hour like this is disastrous for the Austrian. He was left out of the Hammers’ squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday, and the feeling around the London Stadium could well be that he has already burned his bridges with West Ham. He could be reintroduced to the fold, of course, but would supporters stand for the disloyalty he has shown, and would he be able to mentally steel himself to recapture his previous form? Everything is up in the air at the moment, and could remain so for a while to come, but for now, the 29-year-old will be praying that some kind of resolution can be found quickly.