Dimitri Payet open to shock switch to Premier League side

Dimitri Payet’s representatives have offered West Ham the chance to re-sign the Marseille ace this summer in a shock deal, reports The Guardian.

Payet left West Ham to re-sign for Marseille two years ago but the manner of his departure soured his relationship with the club.

The France international handed in a transfer request halfway through the 2016/17 campaign after growing fed up with life at West Ham.

West Ham initially refused to bow to the demands of the player but eventually conceded and sold Payet back to Marseille for £25m.

However, now the Hammers have been offered the chance to prise Payet back to east London and Manuel Pellegrini is now mulling over a deal.

The West Ham boss is concerned about the reaction of the supporters and is understood to be consulting with senior players about a possible switch.

Pellegrini is in the market for new creative players to help ease the burden on club-record signing Marko Arnautovic.

West Ham are closing in on former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere but with Manuel Lanzini ruled out until 2019 at least one more midfielder is required.

Payet’s return would certainly be a gamble on West Ham’s part but he is undoubtedly the best player to play for the club in recent years.

The 31-year-old is currently recovering from injury suffered in last season's Europa League final, which ruled him out of the 2018 World Cup for France.

Since August 2015, Payet has created at least 63 more goalscoring opportunities than any other West Ham player (193), despite leaving at the start of 2017.