David Sullivan: West Ham determined to keep Dimitri Payet for 'many years to come'

Staying put: Dimitri Payet
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Sam Long14 November 2016

West Ham intend to keep Dimitri Payet at the club for "many years to come," according to co-chairman David Sullivan.

The France international has established himself as the Hammers' talisman since joining from Marseille last summer.

The 29-year-old was rewarded for making an instant impact in east London with a new long-term contract as recently as February.

But Payet recently suggested he will consider his future in January after Slaven Bilic's side endured a disappointing start to the season.

Standard Sport understands West Ham are braced for offers for the fans' favourite with Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas a potential replacement.

However, Sullivan has now appeared to dismiss any suggestion Payet could leave in the New Year by underlining the midfielder's importance at the London Stadium.

"Dimitri has had an outstanding year and has become a vital player for France and I am so proud that he is a West Ham player," he told the club's official website.

"He has played 16 times for his country in 2016, scoring seven goals and assisting five more, and inspiring them to the final of the European Championship.

"Dimitri signed a new long-term contract in February, pledging his future to this Club, and it is very much our intention that he remains with us for years to come," Sullivan added.

Payet has scored just one goal in nine Premier League appearances this season and West Ham are languishing one point above the relegation zone, having won three of their opening 11 games.

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