The 28-year-old asked to leave the bet365 Stadium earlier this week, handing in a transfer request, and PA Sport sources say that the Hammers have made a move.

However, with Arnautovic only 12 months into a four-year contract, the Potters have a strong bargaining position and have turned down the London club's advances.

Arnautovic is currently with the squad in Switzerland for their preseason training camp.

The Austria international was linked with Everton last year before signing his new deal and Stoke would be unwilling to have another transfer saga.

With the current inflated transfer market, Arnautovic would be expected to command a large fee should Stoke even be tempted to sell.

Arnautovic joined from Werder Bremen in 2013 and has made 145 appearances while scoring 26 goals for the Potters. He netted seven times in 35 games last season.