Dimitri Payet’s possible return to Marseille in the January transfer window is a big talking point in the French media, but it’s increasingly a story grasping for new angles.
L’Equipe claimed the Frenchman is wanted back at the Ligue 1 club under the new management, and could be reunited with Rudi Garcia under whom he has already played at Lille.
It’s been reported Marseille are ready to offer around €30m to €40m for Payet, and will also make a great effort to match his current wages. Continuing with their story on Wednesday, L’Equipe claim Marseille are even ready to offer a player to West Ham for Payet.
L’Equipe mention the likes of Florian Thauvin, Remy Cabella, Karim Rekik and Matheus Doria, but believe the only real possibility is Lassana Diarra.
Diarra is one of the highest earners at Marseille, and the Ligue 1 club are desperate to offload him. The 31-year-old has often been used as a substitute this season, and his relationship with the club and fans isn’t good.
L’Equipe say West Ham could be given the opportunity to sign Diarra should they be interested, but make it clear he isn’t available on a free transfer.
However, signing Diarra could be very complicated for West Ham as the former Chelsea star owes Lokomotiv Moscow as much as €10m.
So L’Equipe envisage a situation which sees West ham selling their best player in January and taking a perceived misfit as part payment.
If this is Marseille trying to entice West Ham, then it’s not going to work. A boost for Hammers fans is that a Payet transfer is sounding more unlikely with every claim.
