Payet U-turn chances under discussion
Publicly the Hammers are insisting that he’s not for sale but in reality the Frenchman appears to have burned every bridge and it would take more than an apology to the fans to put any of that right.
However, every statement coming out of West Ham is that he won’t be sold as the leading figures in this soap opera attempt to leave themselves with options.
It is now well known that there are suggestions of personal issues being involved with him after he had been given time off to sort any problems out.
But the reality is that most have accepted he will be on his way and sources close to CandH have made it clear there is little chance of a reunion between club and player.
One described it as “one in ten” but the depth of the fans anger is such that even that may be overstating the odds.
Meanwhile, the club will continue to listen to any offer that meets their minimum requirement of £30 – £35 million
Back in the summer when Payet was regularly being linked with a move David Sullivan was quoted as saying: “Am I worried about losing him? No, because he’s under contract.
“There might be six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But just because a big club wants him, tough luck.
“He signed a contract and you take the rough and smooth of a contract. Sometimes clubs have got to be tough and stand up and say ‘he’s contracted to us, he’s our player’.
“Just because he can get more money somewhere else he expects us to sell him. Well, we’re not selling him unless someone wants to break the world transfer record and then we might consider it!”
Well the acid test is now upon him – interesting times!