Real Madrid Transfer News: Dimitri Payet Deals Blow, Latest Los Blancos Rumours
Real Madrid's chances of signing West Ham United winger Dimitri Payet have been dealt a fatal blow after the France international vowed to remain with the east London outfit for the upcoming season.
Just a year after completing a £10.7 million switch to West Ham from Marseille, Payet has been linked with a number of moves this summer, but he told the Sun's Justin Allen he's "sure" to remain in his current setting.
"I’ve heard about all the interest, and I’m flattered," the Frenchman said. "But I love West Ham. We had a fantastic season, and I can’t wait to play in the Olympic Stadium. I’m 100 per cent staying at West Ham, I love the club. I can tell the Hammers fans that."
Manager Slaven Bilic guided the club to seventh in the Premier League last term, and with their move to the Olympic Stadium on the horizon, things are looking up for the club.
What's more, co-owner David Gold recently spoke to BBC 5 live Sport insisting it would take an extremely hefty sum in order to convince them into selling their prime playmaker:
Payet was named in the 2014-15 Ligue 1 Team of the Year, and he's since backed that nomination up by taking spots in both the 2015-16 Premier League Team of the Year and Euro 2016 Team of the Tournament.
Unibet illustrated the ecstasy sure to be felt among West Ham fans following confirmation from the man himself that he will remain with the Hammers for at least another campaign:
Payet signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with West Ham in February of this year, a sign of just how pleased the club are with their acquisition.
Another figure sure to be pleased with Payet's apparent commitment is boss Bilic, per ITV Sport:
There is some positive news for those at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, after centre-back star Raphael Varane was handed the club's No. 5 jersey to effectively end any speculation of an exit.
Metro's George Bellshaw reported Varane switched from his old No. 2, and Spanish newspaper AS highlighted the number holds a special significance to manager Zinedine Zidane:
The France international is held in high regard, but the competition posed by Sergio Ramos and Pepe has thus far put limitations on just how much starting football Varane has been given.
Varane has made 150 appearances for Los Merengues since arriving at the club in 2011, per Transfermarkt.
