West Ham decide to sell Payet

West Ham have taken the decision to sell Dimitri Payet this January, after the midfielder angered the club by going on strike earlier this week, Goal has learned.

West Ham reject £20m Payet bid from Marseille

Slaven Bilic revealed on Thursday that Payet had informed the club of his desire to leave, and Goal understands that he has now refused to play for the Hammers, having set his heart on a move to Marseille.

West Ham rejected a £20 million bid, plus £2.5m in add-ons, from the French side earlier this week, with the club taking the stance that Payet would not be sold in this transfer window.

However, sources have since confirmed that there has been a U-turn, and the club will now attempt to receive the best possible price for the 29-year-old.

West Ham are understood to be keen to make a profit on Payet, having signed him for a mere £10m in 2015, and value him at around £40m.

The Hammers had expected to receive several bids from elite European clubs in the summer, and subsequently placed a £60m asking price on his head.

No offer was forthcoming, however, and the club may now find negotiations difficult, with Payet desperate to return to Marseille, the club he left in 2015.

American billionaire Frank McCourt bankrolls Marseille, and reports suggest that they are willing to increase their bid to closer to £30m.

West Ham prepared to fine want-away Payet

West Ham have been severely disappointed in Payet’s decision to attempt to force a move, after previously pleading with the player to stay until the summer.

Bilic expressed his anger with Payet in Thursday’s press conference, and his exasperation stems from the fact the club felt that they had reached an agreement with both the player and his agent that he would see out the season.

Payet is insistent that he be sold this window, with sources suggesting that his reasons are personal.

The playmaker has scored two goals and provided seven assists in 18 appearances in the Premier League this season, but will not be in the matchday squad for this weekend’s encounter with Crystal Palace.