Paris Saint-Germain are ready to launch a rival bid to snatch West Ham play maker Dimitri Payet from under the noses of Marseille claimed the Sunday Expres yesterday.
The report claims PSG have had a long-term interest in Payet but signed German international Julian Draxler at the start of the month. PSG boss Unai Emery has placed a question mark over the future of injury hit Argentina international Javier Pastore and has said to have earmarked Payet as his replacement.
The Express says Payet’s fee and wages wouldn’t be a problem for PSG’s owners Qatar Sports Investments and would provide a more acceptable alternative to Marseille.
The story adds that Payet has already turned down at least one offer from the Chinese Super League believed to be from Hebei China Fortune who were willing to pay him £26million a year in wages.
Yesterday, a top Hammers ClaretandHugh source quickly poured cold water over a story involving a similar story of a bid from Nice and made it clear there has been no approach or communication with any other Ligue 1 club.
He said: “It would suit us for other clubs to come in on whatever basis but I can assure you this is not the case and the truth is that Nice do not have serious money available. The deal is exactly where it was with offers from Marseilles having been turned down because they do not measure up to our valuation.”
Almost every top French player would dream of playing for PSG. It could be a dream come true for us too.
Express Sun all the toilet papers running stories all a load of ****
Whatever. The most important issue is DS’s determination to get a proper fee for sh.t-face. If that means he does not go, then he does not go. We must not be forced via a pre-determined plan between player/club to sell at a price far below a fair market valuation. I bet that as January 31 edges closer, sh.t-face and Marsaille will begin to sweat because they will know their clever plan has not worked. No player is bigger than the club and WHU are proving that. Well done DS.