Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Dimitri Payet and Mateo Kovacic Rumours

West Ham United star Dimitri Payet has moved to dismiss speculation linking him with Real Madrid, saying he will "probably" still be with the Hammers next season.

According to James Gray of the Express, Real Madrid are among those interested in the Frenchman, but the midfielder said there have been no talks with any suitors.

Payet said:

"

The media are sending me everywhere. I have had no contact with any other club. I signed a long deal with West Ham—I should probably remain there next season.

It's always a great thing to be Player of the Year at your club, especially when you've been there a short period of time.

It shows that I've settled down into the team well and the fans and the staff appreciate the work I've been doing.

"

The 29-year-old enjoyed an exceptional debut year with the Irons, netting 12 goals and assisting 15 in all competitions.

Payet not only offers a remarkable threat from set pieces, but his passing and vision to create opportunities for his team-mates are also outstanding attributes, per WhoScored.com:

Football writers Liam Canning and Miguel Delaney were among many to sing his praises during the recently concluded season:

However, while it's possible Real Madrid will target a playmaker in the summer—neither James Rodriguez nor Isco did enough to secure a starting berth under Zinedine Zidane—it seems likely they'd pursue someone younger given it would cost a reported £30 million to prise Payet away from West Ham.

Further, while he is far more than just a free-kick specialist, they remain one of the most potent weapons in his locker, and alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and company, he would likely enjoy far fewer opportunities to showcase that.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Los Blancos midfielder Mateo Kovacic has refused to rule out a move to AC Milan.

The Rossoneri reportedly want him, and he recently told FC Inter News (h/t AS):

"

It’s been a difficult season. I was sorry to leave Inter [Milan], but Real are a great team. I was very young when I arrived but I’ve picked up a lot of experience. I’m fine, I played a lot of games, I expected to have difficulties. Milan? Anything can happen in life, but I’m not thinking about that at the moment. The Euros are coming up and I’ve got five years left on my contract.

"

Per SportMediaset (h/t AS), Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani "made initial advances to both the player and the board" regarding the Croatian's availability during Real's UEFA Champions League semi-final with Manchester City.

An underwhelming first season at the Santiago Bernabeu saw Kovacic make just 11 starts, having arrived from Inter as a highly promising talent. For his previous side, the 22-year-old stood out thanks to his passing range and ability to drive forward from midfield to great effect.

Though he has struggled to impress with Los Blancos, it's clear the Croatian possesses a great deal of potential.

Real would be wise to give him another chance next season before allowing him to leave, particularly as they could well be facing a transfer ban in 2017.