RMC Sport says the reports from the UK have been met by laughter by the Marseille board. The media outlet instead suggests it is a ‘poker bluff’ by the 31-year-old former Hammer to get a better deal at the French club,
The report claims Mario Balotelli is set to complete his move to Marseille making him the highest paid player in the club and Payet wants parity with the incoming striker. Payet is said to earn around £110,000 per week but Balotelli’s contract is said to be worth more than £175,000 per week.
Agents representing Payet are reported to have contacted West Ham about a possible return but the Hammers would want to pay less than £15m for the player they sold back to Marseille for £22m and would offer him far less than his current £110,000 per week wages he enjoys in France.
It appears Payet’s or his agent’s bluff has been found out the chances of him returning to West Ham are almost zero!