Real Madrid Transfer News: Huge Dimitri Payet Price Set Amid Latest Rumours

West Ham United joint-chairman David Sullivan has warned that Dimitri Payet will not be sold unless his suitors are prepared to pay upwards of £100 million amid speculation he's wanted by Real Madrid. 

According to Paul Jiggins of the Sun, Los Blancos have been linked with a £40 million move for the Frenchman, but it's clear that won't be enough to tempt Sullivan. He said:

"

Am I worried about losing him? No, because he’s under contract.

There might be six weeks of silliness when he bangs the table. But just because a big club wants him, tough luck.

He signed a contract and you take the rough and smooth of a contract.

Sometimes clubs have got to be tough and stand up and say ‘he’s contracted to us, he’s our player.’

Just because he can get more money somewhere else he expects us to sell him.

Well, we’re not selling him unless someone wants to break the world transfer record and then we might consider it!

Even at his age he must be worth £100 million.

"

Hammers co-chairman David Gold spoke to Kelly Cates of BBC 5 live Sport on Monday, and while the price tag he mentioned was slightly less outlandish, the message was still clear—the club want him to stay:

The 29-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal debut season with the Irons, bagging 12 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.

His form earned him a place in Didier Deschamps' team at UEFA Euro 2016, and he was one of the players who lit up the tournament, notching two goals and three assists for Les Bleus. According to Squawka, he also created 24 chances in the seven matches, as well as completing 18 take-ons.

However, it was his challenge that ended Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in the final and subsequently saw the Real Madrid star carried off on a stretcher. As Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe and sports writer Jonas Giaever noted, that could have an impact on any potential move to the Spanish capital:

Payet insisted he never intended to hurt the forward:

Though the tackle appeared to be a genuine attempt to win the ball, the resulting injury to Ronaldo could make an attempt to sign him difficult for the Liga club.

Further, as outstanding a player as Payet is, the size of the fees mentioned are astronomical, particularly for a player of his age and in him playing in a position Real don't desperately need to reinforce.

Ultimately, it seems West Ham will get their wish—his price tag should ward off any interest in him this summer.