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Former Premier League star currently shining at Marseille details failed Man Utd approach

Former West Ham star Dimitri Payet has revealed Manchester United launched a move for him in 2017, which ultimately failed to go through.

Payet left Marseille in 2015 to experience the Premier League for the first time at West Ham. He went on to become a huge hit among Irons supporters, registering 15 goals and 23 assists in 60 appearances.

However, just 18 months after his arrival, he went back to Marseille in a transfer worth £25million.

The attacking midfielder had openly revealed his desire to return to France. And it was a decision which left West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan ‘sincerely disappointed’.

Marseille were excited by the prospect of re-signing Payet, and he has enjoyed a successful few years back at the Stade Velodrome.

Dimitri Payet impressing back at Marseille

The France international is now 35 years old. Despite this, he is enjoying a great campaign with Marseille.

Payet’s record stands at 13 goals and 12 assists from 39 matches. This form could help Marseille finish second in Ligue 1, behind champions-elect Paris Saint-Germain.

The French outfit are also aiming to win the inaugural Europa Conference League. They have a 2-1 aggregate lead over PAOK after the quarter-final first leg at home.

Dimitri Payet of Marseille

During a recent interview with French outlet RMC Sport, Payet was asked about his decision to re-join Marseille from West Ham. He spoke about interest from Manchester United, along with other clubs.

“I’m not someone who lives with regrets,” Payet said (via Goal). “I made a choice, which was just as much related to football as it was to family, to come back to Marseille.

“There were other clubs, big clubs. There were Manchester United and others. It was a personal and family choice. I think it was the best for me and my family.”

Payet is likely to start when Marseille come up against PAOK in Greece on Thursday evening. Of course, West Ham are also competing in Europe this term.

They play Lyon later this week in the Europa League quarter-final. The tie is beautifully set up after a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium last time out.

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