New Marseille offer but it’s hardball Irons

CandH Exclusive

Marseille have come back with a new offer for Dimi Payet but have once again been sent back to France after being told: “It’s not enough – come back with something better.”

ClaretandHugh understands that the latest offer amounts to £24m plus extras which take it up to £26m but the Irons management have made it clear that £30 million remains the January benchmark although they have a real transfer value on him of £35 million.

And that is leading the Irons into negotiating a big sell on clause which would see them take any shortage between the fee they finally accept for the midfielder and that £35 million.

So should Marseille finally arrive at an all-in fee of £28 million – which is beginning to look more realistic – the Hammers will want the first £7 million of any future fee Marseilles may receive for Payet.

The Irons powers-that-be are convinced  the player has already done a deal with his former club or they would not still be negotiating a fee.

And they are expecting Marseille to come back as the deal goes down to the final hours of the window closing with a bid of around the £28 million required.

The general view is that the player will leave on deadline day buy should Marseilles not come up with £30 million, or something close to it, Payet will be stuck until the summer when other clubs are likely to come knocking.

That puts the pressure on Marseille who realise that any deal with Payet they have agreed could be dead and buried.