Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane lays it on thick after hailing West Ham’s Dimitri Payet as ‘most important player in Europe’
Los Blancos have been tipped to launch big-money move for France star after Euro 2016 as they hunt for new playmaker
ZINEDINE ZIDANE has fuelled speculation that Real Madrid will move for Dimitri Payet after labelling the West Ham ace as ‘one of the most important and talented players in Europe’.
Payet is currently enjoying a stellar Euro 2016 campaign with hosts France, scoring two goals and assisting one in three games.
The 29-year-old was also in splendid form under Slaven Bilic in his debut season at Upton Park, finding the back of the net nine times as well as assisting another 12.
But unfortunately for the Hammers, Payet’s performances have not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite.
Real, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked with moves for the ex-Marseille man, and Bilic is worried his star player could force through a transfer after the Euros.
However, Payet’s agent has claimed his client would cost a ‘ridiculous’ amount of money this summer amid reports West Ham have slapped a £60million price-tag on his head.
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Club captain Mark Noble admits he’s been on the phone to Payet to make sure the playmaker returns for West Ham’s maiden campaign at the Olympic Stadium, but Real boss Zidane has begun a charm offensive as he eyes a replacement for alleged Manchester United target James Rodriguez.
Zidane said: “It is a great story – he (Payet) has always had talent, but now at 29 he is getting the respect he deserves.
“There is so much pressure on young players to perform on the biggest stage. Dimitri has shown things don’t always have to happen early.
“When he wasn’t in the French team he never gave up, and now he is proving he is one of the most important and talented players, not just in the French side, but in Europe.
“He had an incredible season with West Ham, and now at the Euros is showing that no occasion is too big for him. He would improve any side in Europe – that is how talented he is.
“From a coach’s perspective he is everything you look for in an attacking midfield player. He can score goals, he can create goals, he has real quality from set pieces. Any club would want him, he is improving all the time.”