Marko Arnautovic wanted West Ham United to rescue him from his spell at Shanghai SIPG, per The Mirror.

What’s the word?

The report claims that the former Stoke City forward was keen on a return to east London this month, having forced an exit in 2019.

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He asked an initial bid from the Chinese Super League to be accepted and the club eventually settled for a reduced fee to sell him as they believed his behaviour had diminished his stock, per sources.

However, any potential return was scuppered as the outbreak of the coronavirus has seen all flights out of the country grounded.

Arnautovic scored nine goals in 11 games for Shanghai in 2018/19.

Calling all transfer experts! How much did each of these Deadline Day signings cost?

Tables have turned

The grass isn’t always greener.

Arnautovic behaved in a manner not befitting a top professional to get his move and it has clearly soured, given his angling for a move back to England.

It is, of course, tragic that the coronavirus is the reason that he has not been able to get his wish but one has to wonder if he is reaping what he sowed by forcing his way out.

Now, the shoe is on the other foot and there is no guarantee that the Irons would even have welcomed him - the report states that West Ham were only "open" to the idea of re-signing him.

One thing is for sure: He appears to have made a mistake in moving to China, and West Ham won't be digging him out of his own mess.

Meanwhile, West Ham's interest in one former Premier League ace has been rubbished!