Barcelona Transfer News: Barcelona Pursuing a Deal for West Ham's French Star
Frenchman Dimitri Payet has set the English Premier League alight in his first season in the country with a combination of skills, trickery, ball control and a nose for goal and hence it is not a surprise that the biggest clubs in Europe are now taking an interest in him. According to reports published by British outlet Talksport, Spanish giants Barcelona are interested in taking the winger to the Camp Nou and are prepared to pay in the region of £50 million for his signature.
West Ham signed Payet from French Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille for a fee of £10.7 million and at the time of the transfer it looked like a calculated punt on the part of the transfer fixers of the club. However, it seems they have struck gold as the player's stock has only risen during the course of his first season in English football.Despite missing seven games due to an injury, Payet managed to score 9 goals in the Premier League and also notched up an equal number of assists that has propelled West Ham to 6th place in the table.
Additionally, his free kicks have also been a revelations as he has scored some spectacular goals from set pieces and also set up many more. It is not a surprise that Barcelona are now looking for a deal for him, however it is important to point out that West Ham might have sensed this sort of an approach and have wisely extended his contract at the club. According to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are aware of the contract situation but are still hopeful of a deal. In this regard, it is also important to point out the French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain has also shown interest in taking Payet back to Ligue 1 and in fact they have made enquiries regarding a possible £40 million move.
West Ham United is determined to hold on to their biggest star and considering the fact that they are set to play at the far bigger Olympic Stadium from next season, they would not like to cash in one of their biggest stars.
