Marko Arnautovic is ready to tell West Ham United he wants to leave in search of Champions League football.

The 29-year-old Austrian has been brilliant for The Hammers since joining from Stoke last year in a deal worth in excess of £20million.

West Ham would be loathed to lose Arnautovic, but the player himself knows he is attracting attention from Champions League clubs – and his head has been turned.

“I’m 29 so that’s the best age. It’s clear that I want to compete with the best players. But in this affair I totally trust my brother.”

Arnautovic’s brother, Danijel, is his agent and refused to rule out a move.

“He’s already playing in the Premier League and that’s where the best players are. But for a player like Marko this cannot be the end,” he said.

“He’s a big part of West Ham’s team but I think it’s possible to tease out more of him. For that to happen, he has to play for a top team.”

Sources close to West Ham do not see the player been sold anytime soon, but it is understood offers of around £40million would be considered.

Bookmakers believe that Manchester United could be tempted to make a move, and BetVictor make them 8/1 favourites.