Saturday 17 December 2016 16:35, UK
Slaven Bilic fully expects Dimitri Payet to stay at West Ham and has dismissed speculation over a potential swap deal with Manchester United for Anthony Martial.
Reports in France earlier this week claimed Payet could be on his way to Old Trafford in the New Year, with his fellow French international Martial heading in the opposite direction.
But West Ham boss Bilic said: "I can't see any truth in that.
"Regarding Payet, not regarding Martial. He is a good player, a great player. But I don't see this happening.
"Do I expect Payet to stay? Of course. Great players are always the centre of interest. Payet is one of the best in the world and they are always the ones who are linked with the big clubs.
"But I hope, and I expect, he will stay with us."
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan said in November he had no intention of selling Payet in the upcoming January transfer window, while captain Mark Noble also stressed earlier this week the importance of keeping the influential midfielder at the club.
The 29-year-old, who signed a new five-and-a-half year deal in February, insisted in a recent interview with L'Equipe Sport & Style that he was fully committed to helping the Hammers climb away from the relegation zone.
Wednesday night's 1-0 victory over Burnley at London Stadium lifted West Ham up to 15th place, four points clear of the relegation zone, ahead of the visit of Hull on Saturday.
And Bilic is looking for more of the same against the Tigers as West Ham go in search of back-to-back Premier League wins for only the second time this season.
"We spoke about this couple of games in the period when we played against Spurs, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. It was an extremely difficult schedule," Bilic said.
"That period came and we started with three points and we have a really good chance (on Saturday). Nothing can give you confidence better than victories."
