London Football News

Marseille reportedly ditch bid to sign Payet from West Ham

Marseille have abandoned their attempt to sign Dimitri Payet during this month’s transfer window, according to Sky.

Former Marseille star Payet, 29, wants to leave West Ham and has indicated that he is keen to return to the French club, who have had offers for him rejected.

Sky believe Marseille will not be continuing their interest and will instead be looking at other targets.

It comes after West Ham manager Slaven Bilic insisted the club would not bow to pressure to sell Payet.

“We’re not going to sell our best players on the cheap just because somebody wants to sign them or they want to go,” Bilic said at a press conference on Thursday.

Meanwhile, West Ham winger Sofiane Feghouli insists he is not looking to leave the club, adding he has “a contract which I respect”.

The Algerian has started just twice in the Premier League since joining from Valencia in the summer and there have been reports linking him with a loan move to Roma.

But in marked contrast to the wantaway Dimitri Payet, Feghouli says he is prepared to stay and fight for a regular place and help the club move up the table.
“I’m not looking to leave,” Feghouli told Sky Sports News HQ.

“I know there’s been interest from two or three clubs but I have a contract here which I respect.

“I will always give my all and will do all I can to make the club successful.”

Feghouli scored his first Hammers goal on only his second appearance, in the Europa League victory over Domzale back in August.

But he has played just 13 times since and had to wait until the home game with Manchester United on 2 January for his full Premier League debut.

He then scored his first domestic goal on his next start, against Crystal Palace last weekend, and Feghouli – who was surprisingly omitted from Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad – admits he is starting to feel a bigger part of the team.

He said: “As a footballer when things aren’t going well it’s hard to feel settled, but it’s getting better here and I’m enjoying it.

“London doesn’t feel like home at the moment but London is a great city and I do like it.”




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