But the 28-year-old’s fine form this season and reports of a potential £38 million bid from an unnamed Chinese club convinced the Hammers to hand him an improved contract that is reportedly the biggest in their history.
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News of the midfielder’s deal has been well received by the east Londoners’ fans and Payet is delighted to have been given an opportunity to continue his “adventure” at the club.
Payet has scored six goals in 22 appearances for West Ham to help the club climb to sixth place in the Premier League table and is determined to help the club progress even further.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said earlier on Thursday that Payet was very close to signing a new deal when he previewed Saturday’s league clash at struggling Norwich City.
Dimitri Payet pens a new West Ham United contract to keep him at the club until 2021. Both parties have the same intention and that is to stay at West Ham.
He added: “If you are playing like he is playing, if you are that calibre of players, many clubs are showing interest to get those kind of players but we are going to do everything we can to keep him with us”.
The manager also spoke out in support of cheaper tickets for fans after a mass walkout at Anfield last weekend resulted in Liverpool’s owners backing down on plans to implement a significant increase in prices next season.
“We have a few other knocks, but to be fair we have a good feeling”.
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“I’ve said it several times, I feel good here, everyone’s done all that they can to make me feel good”.
