Dimitri Payet’s agent claims West Ham star will stay with Slaven Bilic’s side despite interest from Real Madrid
France international is a wanted man after his barnstorming Premier League season but looks set to stay a Hammer
DIMITRI PAYET’S agent expects the playmaker to stay at West Ham this summer despite strong interest from Real Madrid.
The France international has transformed himself into one of Europe’s finest midfielders after joining the Hammers from Marseille last summer.
Payet scored nine goals and assisted a further 12 as Slaven Bilic’s men made a bold push for Champions League football, and his excellent form for both club and country has put a number of teams on red alert.
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are reportedly keen, while Inter Milan have become the latest side to declare their interest.
Former president Massimo Moratti said: “As a fan, I would love to see Payet in an Inter shirt.”
Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked, but it is Real who have been on a real charm offensive in recent times.
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Boss Zinedine Zidane is a big admirer of his compatriot, saying: “It is a great story – he has always had talent, but now at 29 he is getting the respect he deserves.
“He had an incredible season with West Ham, and now at the Euros is showing that no occasion is too big for him. He would improve any side in Europe – that is how talented he is.
“From a coach’s perspective he is everything you look for in an attacking midfield player. He can score goals, he can create goals, he has real quality from set pieces. Any club would want him, he is improving all the time.”
However, Jacques-Olivier Auguste is convinced that Payet will be staying put for the move to the Olympic Stadium next season.
But the agent did concede that should West Ham be presented with a ludicrous offer, a transfer could yet happen.
He told The Guardian: “He has a great contract with West Ham so I cannot see him leaving. Dimitri is happy in London. You never know in football but only West Ham know what price they want if they decide to sell him.”