West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has insisted that there is no truth in rumours linking the club with a swap deal involving Dimitri Payet and Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.
Reports surfaced earlier this week suggesting that the Hammers would only be willing to sell Payet to United in January if Martial moved in the opposite direction.
However, Bilic is expecting Payet to stay at the London Stadium, claiming that the France international is one of the best players in world football.
"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," he told reporters.
"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 are currently just four points clear of the relegation zone, leading to speculation that Payet will look to leave the club next month.
Barney Corkhill
