Stoke Look to Replace West Ham-Bound Marko Arnautovic With Man United Outcast

Stoke have identified Manchester United's Ashley Young as their preferred replacement for Marko Arnautovic and have made an approach for the versatile English winger.

The Potters look set to sell one of their prized assets to West Ham in a £24m deal after the Austrian international handed in a formal transfer request.

Mark Hughes is adamant that the 32-year-old United man can replace Arnautovic and is keen to bring him to the bet365 Stadium, according to The Sun.

Young was reportedly the subject of lucrative offers from the Chinese Super League in January but was retained by Jose Mourinho due to injury issues and the club's involvement in the Europa League.

Now, Young's time at Old Trafford could be up, and a move to remain in the Premier League could suit both club and player.

The former Aston Villa man has been primarily used as an unorthodox full-back in recent times and with the likes of Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata as well as potential new recruit Ivan Perisic, Young's opportunities in attack are severely limited.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Ashley Young of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on April 4, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Clive Brunskill/GettyImages

Filling the void left by Arnautovic, Young would reacquire his favoured role further up the pitch with the Potters and could prove a potent weapon for Hughes' side.

However, the loss of the Austrian winger will be felt by the entire squad, with the 28-year-old scoring six goals and recording five assists in 2016/17.

Hughes will hope Young's crossing ability and prowess from set-pieces can bring a different dimension to his attack for next season.