If the combination of French and English news that appeared in the space of five minutes on Friday evening is to be believed, Dimitri Payet’s transfer to Marseille could be done fairly soon.
According to SFR Sport journalist Johnny Séverin, all that was standing in the way of the West Ham star rejoining the Ligue 1 side was the signing of Robert Snodgrass from Hull City, with the Scotland international seen as the ideal replacement.
Info @SFR_Sport | Si @WestHamUtd finalise l’arrivée de @robsnodgrass7, ce soir ou demain, ils vendront @dimpayet17 à l’@OM_Officiel. #TeamOM
— Johnny Séverin (@jseverin11) January 27, 2017
The French journalist also explained a source close to West Ham had stated the two deals were linked, and that Marseille had been trying to get a deal done by Monday this week, but David Sullivan had been very difficult to negotiate with and was against a transfer being sorted.
Selon source proche du club anglais les 2 dossiers liés pour @WestHamUtd. #OM espérait conclure lundi mais Sullivan très difficile #TeamOM
— Johnny Séverin (@jseverin11) January 27, 2017
However, around two minutes later, Jack Sullivan, the West Ham owner’s son, announced on Twitter that Robert Snodgrass had passed his medical and signed for the Hammers.
robert snodgrass has signed for £10million. Our second signing for the window he has 7 goals and 3 assists in 20 PL games this year.
— Jack Sullivan (@jsullivanwhu) January 27, 2017
If Johnny Séverin’s information is correct, and we are yet to find anything pointing otherwise, this transfer will pave the way for Dimitri Payet getting his wish and signing for Marseille this January.
Considering West Ham were asking for over €30m for Payet and Snodgrass has allegedly signed for £10m, there’s some money left in the coffers for another deal, at least.