Payet In Contract Talks With Hammers

West Ham have confirmed they are discussing a new contract with midfielder Dimitri Payet.

The Hammers revealed the negotiations, which had been initiated by the club, were "progressing well" and stressed that neither Payet nor his agent had made any demands over a new deal.

The Daily Mirror claimed Payet's agent had demanded a new contract worth £125,000 a week, just seven months after the France international joined West Ham from Marseille for an initial £10.75m.

"Following reports in today's media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time has Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the club over a new contract," a club statement read.

"However, the club can confirm that due to Dimitri's outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly.

"Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the board, manager and fans since he joined the club in the summer."

Following the club's announcement, Payet declared his desire to remain at West Ham for the foreseeable future.

"I say and I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of West Ham. My future is here and I hope for many years," he said via his official Twitter account.

Ahead of West Ham's FA Cup fourth-round replay with Liverpool, manager Slaven Bilic stressed the importance of keeping Payet at the club.

Payet has been exceptional for West Ham during his debut season in the Premier League and has played a pivotal role in the club's challenge for European qualification.

The 28-year-old, who is contracted to West Ham until June 2020, has scored six times and provided four assists this season.

"The club is moving, with the new stadium and everything, and the most important move is to keep your best players," explained Bilic.

"Dimitri Payet is our best player. And of course I would love to have him happy, long-term, at the club.

"He only signed a few months ago, but he has made a huge impact and while he has a long contract he is in a good position. We all want to keep him for a long, long time."