West Ham transfer news: Dimitri Payet refuses to play for Hammers’ Under-23s in fear that injury will hamper his dream Marseille switch
French outcast has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the French side despite having three offers rejected
DIMITRI PAYET has refused to play for West Ham's development squad in fear that injury could hamper his dream move to Marseille.
The Hammers' Under-23 side play Aston Villa on Friday night but they will be without the wantaway Frenchman.
Payet has been training with the youth squad after he was banished by boss Slaven Bilic following the playmaker's demands to leave the club.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport's daily LIVE blog.
The West Ham outcast, who was even ditched from his team-mate's Whatsapp group, is desperate to return to the Ligue 1 side this month.
And it appears the 29-year-old is willing to take no risks and remains concerned that any injury could jeopardise his transfer.
The Hammers continue to play hardball having rejected three offers in the region of £22.5million.
West Ham are determined to get £30m for Payet after making him their highest-paid player on £120,000-a-week, but Marseille will not go above £25m.
related articles
Whilst the two clubs go back and forth trying to conjure up a fee, Payet has already agreed personal terms with Marseille.
With just days left in the January transfer window, Payet could earn an annual salary of £6million on a four-and-a-half year deal.
But talk over personal terms have angered West Ham chiefs as they used email to threaten Marseille.
The Hammers are accusing OM of tapping up their player and are considering taking the matter to FIFA.
Meanwhile West Ham are closing in on the £10million signing of Hull's Robert Snodgrass.
The midfielder will complete his medical on Friday before deciding whether to sign for Bilic's side, Burnley or Middlesbrough.