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FRENCH FANCY

Dimitri Payet: On-strike French midfielder set to turn down £500,000-A-WEEK in Chinese Super League because he wants to return to Marseille

That works out at around £26million A YEAR - but Payet is still said to be hell-bent on return to France with Marseille

DIMITRI PAYET is so determined to return to French side Marseille he is set to turn down £500,000 A WEEK to play in the Chinese Super League.

Payet is currently on strike at West Ham, after refusing to play for the club as he looks for a move back to France.

 West Ham fans have probably seen the last of their French midfield maverick as he wants to return to France
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West Ham fans have probably seen the last of their French midfield maverick as he wants to return to FranceCredit: PA:Press Association

And Sky Sports have reported that the offer of £26million A YEAR is still not enough to tempt the wantaway midfielder to join the Chinese Super League.


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Three Chinese clubs are said to be in for Payet, one being Hebei China Fortune, who have the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gervinho and Stephane Mbia in their ranks.

 Payet was a big hit for Marseille - and now he wants a return to the ambitious French outfit
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Payet was a big hit for Marseille - and now he wants a return to the ambitious French outfitCredit: Getty Images

Slaven Bilic has said today that it's up to Marseille how the sorry saga pans out.

He said: "We are not going to sell our best players on the cheap just because they want to go home.

"The ball is in their court. Now they should act."

Yesterday, SunSport reported how the Hammers had relaxed in their stance and were prepared to wash their hands of their star man.

The club had originally said that Payet would definitely not be sold during the current transfer window.

But now they have told Marseille they are willing to sell Payet if they come up with a bid of £25million.


Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport's daily LIVE blog


 Slaven Bilic has fumed at his star player Payet, but may now be prepared to accept defeat and sell him
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Slaven Bilic has fumed at his star player Payet, but may now be prepared to accept defeat and sell himCredit: Reuters
 Ezequiel Lavezzi in action for Hebei Fortune - but it seems Payet won't be joining him
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Ezequiel Lavezzi in action for Hebei Fortune - but it seems Payet won't be joining himCredit: Getty Images

The Hammers have rejected two offers for the controversial Frenchman after Payet went on strike last week and demanded a return to his former club.

They had been hoping to hold out for £30million and were prepared to make their star player an outcast unless he apologised.

But they are now so tired of the whole saga they are willing to lower their asking price as long as Marseille meet them halfway.

West Ham have reluctantly accepted Payet’s claim that he wants to move back home for family reasons and not money.

 Dimitri Payet is set to leave West Ham - and fans will now just be glad to get shot of a player who isn't committed
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Dimitri Payet is set to leave West Ham - and fans will now just be glad to get shot of a player who isn't committedCredit: Getty Images
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