No Inter return for Arnautovic

West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic will not be returning to Inter as he is close to a move to China.

Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport both reported last month that Arnautovic had been identified by new Inter boss Antonio Conte as a cheaper alternative to Romelu Lukaku.

The Austrian was loaned to the Nerazzurri for their treble-winning 2009-10 campaign, making just three appearances before he joined Werder Bremen for €6.2m.

West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic will not be returning to Inter as he is close to a move to China.

Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport both reported last month that Arnautovic had been identified by new Inter boss Antonio Conte as a cheaper alternative to Romelu Lukaku.

The Austrian was loaned to the Nerazzurri for their treble-winning 2009-10 campaign, making just three appearances before he joined Werder Bremen for €6.2m.

He went on to settle in the Premier League with Stoke City and West Ham, scoring 22 goals and providing 13 assists in his two seasons with the Hammers.

However, BBC Sport and Sky Sports are among the sources that believe he is set for a £22.4m (€25m) switch to Shanghai SIPG.

Arnautovic initially rejected a transfer to China in January but will now be making the move after all, having put in a transfer request earlier in the week.