Monday 15 August 2016 19:11, UK
Dean Ashton has praised West Ham for their ability to keep hold of midfielder Dimitri Payet.
Payet was one of the standout performers of Euro 2016, as he helped the hosts France reach the final of the competition after an fine debut Premier League season at The Hammers.
His time at the east London club has seen him score nine goals and 12 assists in the top flight, and has caught the eye of pundits and fans alike for his strength at taking set-pieces.
So far no clubs have made an offer for the 29-year-old who signed a new five-and-a-half year contract in February.
Payet is set to make his first appearance of the 2016/17 campaign against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday Night Football.
And Ashton, who played for West Ham from 2006 to 2009, believes being successfully able to retain the services of the playmaker during the summer transfer window puts the club in a great position for the new season.
"He was absolutely off the charts at the European Championships, I was never worried he was going to leave," he told Sky Sports Now.
"I think he liked the fact he's been treated like a hero at West Ham and he was thankful he did it himself, but West Ham gave him the platform to get him in to that France squad and do what he did.
"He's a fantastic player and its going to be interesting to see [new Chelsea signing N'Golo] Kante, who knows him well, try to deny him that space as he comes off the wing."
Antonio Conte is set to take charge of his first competitive game as Chelsea manager when they face Slaven Bilic's men tonight.
Former Blues defender Frank Sinclair feels the club should be aiming to replicate the feat of the 2014/15 season and look to lift the title after a turbulent campaign last term.
He said: "The aim should be winning the league.
"The expectation is there, it's a big club that two years ago won the championship so there's no reason why they can't do it again with the same group of players that were so disappointing last season.
"If they play to form then they should be up there challenging for the title."
