Bologna deal blow to Manchester United pursuit of Marko Arnautovic even though manager would be ‘happy’ if he joined Red Devils

Bologna dealt a blow to Manchester United’s pursuit of Marko Arnautovic by insisting he is not for sale.

The Red Devils have made a shock bid for the former Stoke and West Ham forward.

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The 33-year-old scored 14 Serie A goals last season, but Erik ten Hag’s desire to bring him to Old Trafford has caught many by surprise.

Ten Hag, and assistant Steve McClaren, have worked with the Austria international before at FC Twente.

United want him to add depth to their squad and provide the ‘self belief’ that is lacking in the current team.

An initial bid of £7.6million was rejected by Bologna and it seems unlikely they will sell.

Bologna director Marco Di Vaio said: “Man United on Arnautovic? We’re proud of Man United interest for Marko but we are not planning to sell him.

“We want to keep him at Bologna as president said, he’s key part of our project – there’s not even price tag.”

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Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlović also commented on the Arnautovic links to the Red Devils saying he would be happy for the player.

But he did not rate United’s chances of leaving the Italian side.

He said: “I would be happy for Marko [in case he joins United] but I don’t think he will leave.

“I spoke to Arnautović about Man Utd proposal – in case he leaves we will see… but I think he will stay.”