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West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet transfer would cost ridiculous money, says agent

Dimitri Payet (C) scores the winner in France's 2-1 victory over Romania at Stade de France
Image: Dimitri Payet (C) is happy at West Ham, according to football agent Mark McKay

Football agent Mark McKay says it would take "ridiculous money" to sign the West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet this summer.

Payet joined the Hammers from Marseille last summer and enjoyed a sensational debut season in the Premier League, earning a call-up for the France squad for Euro 2016.

He justified his inclusion in Didier Deschamps' final 23-man squad with a dazzling display in France's opening Group A match against Romania, scoring a stunning last-minute goal to earn the hosts a 2-1 win.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have since been linked in the national press with moves for the 29-year-old, with figures quoted as high as £60m.

Dimitri Payet of West Ham scores his team's second goal against Crystal Palace
Image: Payet scored 12 times for West Ham during his debut season in England

But McKay, who played a role in Payet's move to West Ham, has hinted the France international is content in east London and feels only a mega-money offer could tempt the Hammers to sell their star man.

"As far as I am concerned, he's been happy at West Ham and it's down to West Ham that he's in the position that he is in," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"He's doing great now for France and to get him now, you've got to be talking ridiculous money. But football is football, so you never know."

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He added: "When he first came last year, we hoped for the best with him. We knew that he was a really good player, but I don't think anyone could really expect what he has gone on to do in the Premier League so far. 

"The game against Romania the other night was a joy to watch."

Mckay also confirmed West Ham forward Diafra Sakho is seeking assurances over his future at the club.

Sky sources understand Sakho has told Hammers boss Slaven Bilic he wants to leave this summer, with Sunderland keen on signing him.

Diafra Sakho celebrates after giving West Ham the lead
Image: Diafra Sakho could leave the Hammers this summer

"He has had conversations with people at West Ham and he wants to know where his future lies. He wants to start pre-season where he wants to be playing," McKay said.

"West Ham are looking for that top, top striker and Diafra is a bit concerned, that once they find that striker, what his place in the team is going to be.

"If he gets those assurances from West Ham, I am sure he'll be happy to stay there, but otherwise he may be looking elsewhere.

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"I think if you look at Diafra, he is a victim of the success West Ham have had. Now they are going to the Olympic Stadium, they want to kick on and he may just be left behind, he's not that star name they are looking for maybe. 

"So, we'll wait and see on that. It's up in the air at the moment. He's a West Ham player as it stands until David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic turn round and say differently."

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