West Ham are closing in on Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic as the Hammers step up their summer transfer window activity.
The east London club look certain to return to Premier League rivals Stoke with an improved offer after having an initial bid of £15 million rejected for the Austrian international.
Arnautovic, 28, who joined Stoke from Werder Bremen four seasons ago for £2 million, has submitted an official transfer request.
The Potters, while reluctant to sell, are prepared to allow the striker to leave - but at the right price.
“We have received a bid from West Ham for Marko and it was turned down,” confirmed club chairman Peter Coates.
“Mark Hughes is planning to meet with the player and hopefully he can find a positive resolution, as he did last year. We will only sell Marko if the terms are right but he’s not a player we want to lose.”
Arnautovic signed a new four-year contract just 12 months ago but now wants to move on.
Bilic has prioritised pace and power in his quest for new players this summer, and believes the player - who has won 62 caps for Austria - would be an ideal acquisition.
Arnautovic limped off at half-time of Stoke's pre-season friendly against Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax with a knee problem but the injury is not thought to be serious.
