Marko Arnautovic suffered a knee injury in Stoke's first pre-season match Marko Arnautovic suffered a knee injury in Stoke's first pre-season match

Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic could face a spell on the sidelines with a suspected knee injury - just hours after handing in a transfer request.

Sky Sports News HQ revealed on Monday that the 28-year-old had expressed a desire to leave the Potters and was the subject of a £15m bid from Premier League rivals West Ham.

Stoke rejected the offer from Hammers and, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Arnautovic started the club's pre-season victory over Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax.

But Arnautovic was forced off shortly before half-time after falling awkwardly in the penalty area when attempting to complete a cross.

The Austria international received medical treatment on the pitch and was assisted off by the Stoke physio.

West Ham had been expected to return with an improved offer, but may be forced to look elsewhere if Arnautovic has sustained a serious injury.