West Ham target Marko Arnautovic plays 45minutes just hours after handing in Stoke transfer request
The Potters winger forced to play pre-season match against Swiss side Neuchatel Xamas
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AFTER handing in a transfer request this week, Stoke's Marko Arnautovic was forced to play 45 minutes of a pre-season fixture.
The winger also twisted his knee but that is not expected to stop his imminent departure from the bet365 Stadium.
Despite speculation surrounding his future with Stoke, the Austrian started the club's pre-season match against Swiss side Neuchatel Xamas.
After attempting to cross the ball, the 28-year-old appears to fall awkwardly.
The winger received treatment on the pitch. He was then one of several substitutions at half-time.
Club sources say the knee responded well to treatment and the Austrian star is not injured.
Arnautovic is the target of league rivals West Ham, who have had an initial offer of £15m rejected by Stoke.
The Potters are expecting a second offer from Slaven Bilic's men, with the Austrian confirming his desire to leave the Bet365 Stadium this summer.
The 28-year-old joined Stoke from Werder Bremen for £2m in 2013 and renewed a four-year deal in 2016.
He has featured 145 times for The Potters, bagging 26 goals in the process.
West Ham are not alone in their quest to sign the Austrian, with Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Everton all voicing their interest.
Mark Hughes was quick to dismiss the initial offer and has made it clear that the club do not want their talisman.
