Marko Arnautovic: West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini relieved transfer saga is finally over

Marko Arnautovic: West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini relieved transfer saga is finally over
Manuel Pellegrini was pleased to see the end of the Marko Arnautovic transfer saga after admitting it had affected West Ham’s performances.Austria striker Arnautovicwas left out of the squad for the defeat at Bournemouth and Saturday’s FA Cup humiliation at AFC Wimbledon after seeking a big-money move to China.3

Arnautovic signed a contract extension until 2023

But less than half-an-hour after the Wimbledon debacle, West Ham suddenly announced that the 29-year-old had signed a contract extension.Hammers boss Pellegrini – not at all impressed by the whole drawn-out saga – refused to even discuss Arnautovic’s new deal following their abject 4-2 defeat.But ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Wolves, where Arnautovic is expected to go straight back into the starting line-up, Pellegrini opened up on the issue. “I have a lot of excuses why we lost at Wimbledon, one of those was that the January transfer window can cause damage to the team,” he said.“For all the issues that a player wants to go, they have other options.“But I am happy that Marko has finished his issue, he is happy here. I hope that we will have the player that he can be in the coming games.3

The striker appeared to bid farewell to the West Ham fans during the Arsenal victory

“A lot of things affect the players, that’s why I don’t want to continue talking about that because I don’t want to make excuses.“We made a mistake and we lost a game against Wimbledon. I hope that now – when the transfer window is closed – that not only Marko but other players who are hearing some offers, they will be concentrated on what we must do.”Arnautovic is West Ham’s joint top-scorer with eight goals and Pellegrini has challenged him to hit the ground running upon his return to the team.3

Arnautovic is a key player for the Hammers

But despite agreeing a year-long extension until 2023, Pellegrini could offer no reassurance that the whole affair would not rear its head again in the summer.He added: “Marko has already demonstrated what he can do, he made an important difference, I hope that from now until the end of the season he will do it again.“His long-term future? We can talk at the end of the season about that, now our mind must be concentrated on Wolverhampton.”Pellegrini also confirmed that young defender Reece Oxford was available for either a loan deal or a permanent move away from the club this month.

---

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists his players can do no more to win a first Premier League title in 29 years. Divock Origi scored four minutes from time to secure a 3-2 win over Newcastle on
Liverpool players can do no more to win Premier League title

---

West Ham legend Tony Cottee has praised "really nice lad" Declan Rice and claimed the youngster can captain the Hammers one day. The former striker, who now works as a commentator, scored over 120 top-flight goals for the east London side in two stints with the club.
West Ham Legend Tony Cottee Claims 'Fantastic' Declan Rice

---

talkSPORT.com rounds up all the latest transfer news and football gossip from Monday's papers and online… Liverpool are reportedly considering letting Naby Keita leave at the end of the season and will accept a loss on the 24-year-old midfielder.
Transfer news and football gossip: Naby Keita to leave

---

Mohamed Salah has "previous" when it comes to going to ground, says Danny Murphy, but the Liverpool star did not dive late on at Cardiff and deserved the penalty he was awarded.. With the Reds
Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp criticises Mohamed Salah dive

---

Crystal Palace linked with January move for Patrik Schick

---

After finishing ninth in that 2004-05 season, five places higher than the previous year, Jol steered Spurs to fifth twice in a row, their best placing of the Premier League era, including in 2006 when they were fourth going into the final game only for a dodgy lasagna to famously wreck their preparations.
Premier League Managers - Overview & Stats 2018/19 & Archive

---

Leon Osman has told talkSPORT he is backing Everton to beat Manchester City, despite what it means for rivals Liverpool's Premier League title bid. Man City travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday night knowing a win would see them overtake Liverpool at the top of the table on goal difference - for the time being,
'I don't want Liverpool to win the title - but I want Everton

---

paper talk Transfer news and football gossip: Kylian Mbappe hints at PSG exit, Alexis Sanchez's desperate bid to leave Manchester United, City identify Vincent Kompany replacement
Kylian Mbappe hints at PSG exit, Alexis Sanchez's desperate

---

England captain Harry Kane is looking forward to seeing the added "flair and flexibility" brought to the squad by newcomer Callum Hudson-Odoi. The 18-year-old Chelsea winger was promoted from
England captain Harry Kane excited by inclusion Callum Hudson

---

Steven Gerrard: Rangers manager shrugs off abuse as police investigate sectarian chants There were cries of 'sad orange b******' directed at Gerrard during Rangers' midweek defeat by Aberdeen By
Steven Gerrard: Rangers manager shrugs off abuse as police

---

Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear says he is 'confident' that Jack Clarke will make a speedy return to Marcelo Bielsa's side. The 18-year-old fell ill in the dugout during the second half of Leeds' 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough and was taken to hospital for treatment before bring discharged on Saturday evening.

---

A former Premier League referee said VAR got it wrong and Fernando Llorente's dramatic winning goal, which saw Tottenham dump Manchester City out of the Champions League should NOT have stood. The Etihad Stadium was host to absolutely chaotic scenes on Wednesday night, as City and Spurs treated us to surely one of the most…
Fernando Llorente goal was HANDBALL and should have been
newsleak24.com/fernando-llorente-goal-was-handball-and-should-have-been-disallowed-says-former-referee-mark-halsey/
Fernando Llorente goal was HANDBALL and should have been disallowed, says former referee Mark Halsey. which noticed Tottenham dump Manchester City out of the
Manchester City vs Tottenham: Fernando Llorente goal was

---