Transfer Centre

Mark Hughes unconcerned by stalled Marko Arnautovic contract talks

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 28 February 2016

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes remains calm that new terms can be agreed with Marko Arnautovic to keep him in place at the Britannia Stadium.

Mark Hughes has insisted that Stoke City remain hopeful star striker Marko Arnautovic will pen a new deal at the end of the campaign.

The Austria international bagged two more goals against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon to take his tally for the season to 12 for club and country.

Arnautovic's improved form this term has seen him linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium in the summer, but Hughes remains calm that new terms can be agreed to extend his three-year stay.

"I think he's just prepared to play his football," the Welshman is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "Let other people have conversations about his contract. When the time comes he will sit down and that's the right attitude. He wants to concentrate on his football and when it needs to be signed it will be.

"Marko is doing really well. Since he's come here, we have talked about his ability, power and pace. The one thing lacking in the last atwo seasons has been a goal threat and he's added that this year.

"He's getting a good return of goals. I think it's his best return since he's been at the club. The two goals take him to double figures."

Arnautovic, who has 18 months left to run on his current Stoke deal, reportedly has a £12.5m buy-out clause inserted into his contract.