Dimitri Payet latest: Slaven Bilic reveals France’s star man is ‘happy’ at West Ham after brilliant Euro 2016
Croatian has been texting the midfielder since the start of the tournament amid growing interest
WEST HAM manager Slaven Bilic expects star player Dimitri Payet to be at the club next season - even declaring that the France star is "our player".
The France midfielder has been one of the best players at the tournament this summer leading to speculation that bigger clubs, including Real Madrid, will attempt to sign him.
The 29-year-old has been sensational in leading France to the semi-finals of the competition, scoring three goals and adding two assists in five matches.
But Bilic believes he will stay in east London next season - and rejected claims that he wanted Payet to play badly so he doesn't draw interest from elsewhere.
In a column for the he wrote: "I have even seen one report suggesting I don’t want him to do well in case it leads to him leaving West Ham.
"That is not right. I want him to play great.
"I want him to score a hat-trick and another hat-trick in the final.
"I know then that the giant clubs will come but I would love him to stay at West Ham."
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Bilic revealed he has been in touch with the star since the start of the Euros - and expects him to stay.
"We have texted each other over the last three weeks and he is happy at the club.
"He is our player."
Payet scored 12 goals and added 14 assists in a brilliant first season in England, helping West Ham finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League.
He was also named in the Premier League team of the season.