Marko Arnautović could return to Europe in the next market, two years after he left West Ham United for Chinese side Shanghai Port FC.
The Hammers, Crystal Palace and Bologna are suitors for the 32-year-old, if a report from Il Resto del Carlino is to be believed.
It’s claimed the forward and his entourage started working on getting a move away from China in January after the introduction of the new salary cap.
The Serie A side held talks with the player’s camp last week and this contact coincided with the chat Bologna chairman Joey Saputo had with head coach Siniša Mihajlović and the club’s management, in which Mihajlović made it clear he needs a new striker.
According to the report, the month of May ‘will be decisive’ for the Austria international’s chances of arriving at Bologna. The Italian club have drawn up a plan to sign the player and are ready to offer a maximum net salary of around €2.5-3m per year.
Despite the tax advantages offered in Italy, Bologna will face competition from David Moyes’ side and the Eagles.
Il Resto del Carlino explain the two Premier League sides are ‘on the trail’, with West Ham ‘dreaming’ of Arnautović’s return to the club.
The attacker spent two seasons with the Hammers and was a fan favourite during his time at the London club. 
The newspaper adds West Ham are preparing to offer around €4m (likely to be net) per season in wages.
