Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Dimitri Payet, Memphis Depay Rumours
West Ham United playmaker Dimitri Payet has insisted he's staying focused on his current club for the time being amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
After a memorable 2015-16 season, the Hammers have struggled to build momentum this term and currently sit in 15th place in the division, just four points clear of the relegation zone. When asked about his situation at the club in an interview with L'Equipe (h/t Giles Mole of the Daily Telegraph), Payet insisted he wanted to help West Ham move up the league:
"I haven't asked myself the question yet. It's still not the right time. Of course I have ambitions, but I want to do things in order.
West Ham are currently in a difficult situation. It takes a lot of my energy, I have to work and do what it takes to get out of this bad position. There are periods that are made for asking yourself questions, and I'll do it at that moment.
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As noted by Mole, previous reports have suggested that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is a big fan of Payet and would love to bring him to Old Trafford.
Based on his form for the Hammers last season, the Frenchman would be a big asset to the Red Devils. Payet was a refreshing presence in the Premier League, always looking to be positive on the ball and commit opposition defenders.
Additionally, the former Marseille man has proven himself as something of a set-piece master, as noted by OptaJoe:
This season, Payet hasn't quite scaled those heights. At times this term, the 29-year-old has cut a disinterested figure on the left for West Ham, unwilling to track back for the cause or commit defensively. That lackadaisical streak is not something a manager like Mourinho would tolerate.
Given how much he'd cost to prise away from the Olympic Stadium midseason, coupled with Payet's desire to help West Ham get out of trouble, this is a link that looks unlikely to come to fruition.
Memphis Depay Close to Everton Switch
According to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United winger Memphis Depay is edging closer to a move to Everton.
The report suggested the Dutch international winger is set to sign for the Toffees on a permanent deal in January; Everton are also noted as the favourites to sign Red Devils star Morgan Schneiderlin, who has also struggled for minutes under Mourinho.
As stated in the piece, Everton boss Ronald Koeman has previously insisted he would be keen to work with Depay, despite his struggles to adapt to English football.
While the 22-year-old has been a flop at Old Trafford, there is undeniable talent there for a coach to harness. Bleacher Report UK took a look at what Depay is capable of:
Indeed, for PSV Eindhoven, Depay was sensational. Granted, the Eredivisie doesn't compare in terms of quality or physicality to the Premier League, but he looked a cut above every player in the league as he fired PSV to a memorable title triumph in 2014-15; the winger also shone at the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
It's not worked out at United for this prodigious talent, and the Dutchman may feel a fresh start will give him the chance to ignite his career once again. At a club like Everton, looking to push up the Premier League table and under a disciplinarian like Koeman, he may find an ideal environment to do so.
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