Marko Arnautovic claims Paul Pogba’s stunning transfer to Manchester United scuppered his own move to Old Trafford after being tapped up by Jose Mourinho.
Arnautovic spent six years in the Premier League, first at Stoke City and then at West Ham, scoring a combined 48 goals for the clubs.
The Austria international says Mourinho contacted him to discuss a move to Manchester United, having briefly worked together at Serie A giants Inter Milan.
Arnautovic claims Mourinho was keen to strike a deal but had his hands tied as United had spent a record £89m on Pogba in the previous summer transfer window.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Arnautovic said: ‘Jose wanted me when I was at West Ham. He told me: “How much do you cost?”
‘After that I was like: “So, do you still want me?” However, his Manchester United side had bought Paul Pogba and didn’t have enough money to sign me.’
Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 but endured another turbulent spell at Old Trafford before re-joining Juventus last summer.
Arnautovic, meanwhile, was strongly linked with a move to United in the previous transfer window but the Premier League club appeared to back out after a backlash from fans.
Discussing the failed move, Arnautovic – now 33 – recently said: ‘Manchester United tried to sign me several times. And it was a difficult decision to stay in Italy because my family wanted to return to England.
‘For me it’s clear that the Red Devils remain at the top of the universe. And Bologna, as a name, are not. But that’s fine.
‘Here everything is calm, you have time for yourself and no stress. This is only good for me.’
Manchester United did not end up signing a new striker last summer but will almost certainly look to do so in January after releasing Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Red Devils, who are currently fifth in the Premier League, have been linked with Netherlands World Cup star Cody Gakpo, Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix and Lyon’s Moussa Dembele.
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