Transfer Centre

Slaven Bilic: 'Not enough money in the world to buy Dimitri Payet'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 28 January 2016

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic claims that there is not enough money in the world to buy Dimitri Payet, who he compares to club legend Paolo Di Canio.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has insisted that he will not sell Dimitri Payet for any price during the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old playmaker has been in superb form since his £10m move from Marseille in the summer, scoring six goals in 15 league starts despite having his season interrupted by a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

His form has led to some suggestions that big clubs would be eyeing a move for the Frenchman, but Bilic has ruled out any sale, comparing Payet's impact to that of club legend Paolo Di Canio.

"From my point of view there is no money in the world that we would let him go for. The things he does on the pitch, he also does in training. He is great to have in the squad and at the club," Bilic told reporters.

"In previous seasons we were like a selling club, but we are moving stadium, we are talking and acting like we want to go up as a club, and for me the most important thing regarding that is not to sell your best players.

"Dimitri Payet, for me, no way. He is our player and he is staying. At this club there have been big players, but I think the last player who made such a big impact, in basically no time, is Paolo Di Canio."

Payet is expected to feature when West Ham travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.