Payet nearing West Ham exit as skipper Noble vents fury

Mark Scott
Dimitri Payet: In limbo

Dimitri Payet: In limbo

West Ham are becoming increasingly resigned to the fact that they may have to grant Dimitri Payet his wish to leave the Hammers this month.

The French international is refusing to play for the club after West Ham rejected a £20million offer which would have seen the 29-year-old return to his beloved Marseille.

But, according to widespread reports, Marseille’s president Jacques-Henri Eyraud will meet with high-level West Ham officials on Monday to discuss a deal for Payet, who was apparently willing to fake an injury in order not to play for West Ham any more.

The Daily Mail believe that Marseille will up their offer to £25million, while other tabloids are suggesting that Payet will move back to his former club on an initial loan deal before completing a permanent deal in the summer.

Hammers skipper Mark Noble, meanwhile, has revealed his frustration over Payet’s rebellious behaviour.

“I am angry and disappointed, because I have always said that he is one of the best players I have ever played with,” said Noble.

“I had – and I say had because I haven’t really spoken to him for the last two or three weeks – a great relationship with him, but I don’t know his reasons.

“I am not going to comment on why he wanted to leave but I do know that if someone doesn’t want to play for the team then they are better off not even playing.”

The Hammers did not seem to miss Payet at the weekend as they crushed Crystal Palace 3-0 at the London Stadium.