Dimitri Payet has been a real hit for West Ham this season. You only need to listen to the fans who chant his name religiously every game to understand the massive impact he has made in such a short time since joining the Hammers.
Naturally, with the form he is showing this season, he has already attracted many admirers and the Club may have to move quickly to secure the Frenchman’s future past this summer. Although it is blatantly clear that the owners are in no mood to sell their star player, it now looks as if they are looking to negotiate a new contract for the midfielder.
According to the reliable ExWHUEmployee, reports that Payet is negotiating a new deal with the Club are indeed true. He also indicated that ‘some other personnel’ are also in negotiations. A deal is in place to sign Manuel Lanzini at the end of the season but it remains to be seen whether the Irons are still negotiating with the Argentinian.
Yes talks have been going on for a while, which is the same with some other personnel but I’ll say more tomorrow https://t.co/zEuxXYyDIL
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) February 7, 2016
The fact that the Club moved quickly to secure Payet’s future shows just how serious they are about their intentions for next season. Bilic’s side currently sit 6th in the league and a lot of that has been down to the form of the creative attacking midfielder.
There are rumours that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are pursuing the 28-year-old but the Hammers will not be rushed into throwing money at the midfielder.
Speaking about his first season in English football, Payet stated that his move to West Ham was the right decision:
“When I arrived in England I was anonymous. It’s nice to be recognised for my football, especially in a competition as strong as the Premier League. People questioned my decision to join West Ham and said it was only for the money.
“But last season at Marseille I think I proved what I was capable of. I am happy to show that I made the correct choice.”
Payet is set to feature in the FA Cup replay against Liverpool tomorrow evening as Slaven Bilic is determined to field his strongest team in order to advance in the competition. Defender James Tomkins is rumoured to be out for a month after he picked up a calf injury in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton so Joey O’Brien could take his place. Sam Byram is cup-tied.
