Dimitri Payet insists future is at West Ham as Chinese club ‘mull over £38m bid’
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ByEurosport
Updated 09/02/2016 at 14:19 GMT
West Ham United have confirmed they have initiated talks over extending midfielder Dimitri Payet's contract – with an unnamed Chinese Super League club reportedly weighing up a £38 million bid for the midfielder.
Dimitri Payet, West Ham United.
Image credit: PA Sport
Payet, who signed a five-and-a-half year contract after joining West Ham last year, has earned plaudits during his debut season, scoring six goals in 22 games to lead the team's push for a top-six finish in the Premier League.
He said on Twitter that he was keen to remain at the club for "many years".
I say & I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of West Ham. My future is here and I hope for many years.
However, an unnamed club in China are reportedly preparing to table a £38m bid, prompting the Hammers to act quickly to tie the Frenchman down. He would apparently be offered £135,000 a week after tax.
"Due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, the club have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract," West Ham said on their website.
"Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly."
West Ham also made it clear that neither Payet nor his agent had made any demands to the club about a new contract.
The France international earns around £70,000 a week with the Hammers, according to media reports. However, a number of players have swapped Europe for China in big-money moves in the past month, including Jackson Martinez and Ramires.
"We have to move and the most important move is to keep your best players and to add some new players who are needed," Bilic told British media.
"Dimitri Payet is our best player -- I have no problem whatsoever to say that. Of course, I would love to have him happy, long term, at the club."
West Ham host Liverpool in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Tuesday before a league trip to third-bottom Norwich City on Saturday.
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