Saturday 21 January 2017 12:12, UK
West Ham are alarmed that Marseille let it be known on Friday that they are resigned to not signing Dimitri Payet this month, Sky sources understand.
Sky Sports News HQ understands that the Hammers believe Marseille are just bluffing and the French club's position is a negotiating tactic.
Marseille indicated, during talks earlier this week, that they will pay no more than £25m to re-sign the playmaker they sold to West Ham for £10.7m in the summer of 2015.
West Ham, however, want £30m for the player, who wants to return to Marseille, citing family reasons.
The most likely outcome remains a compromise being struck, otherwise West Ham will be stuck with a player who will carry on refusing to play for them while being paid £125,000 a week.
Regardless, the high-stakes poker game between these two clubs continues over Payet, who has not featured since the 5-0 thrashing at home to Man City in the FA Cup on January 6.
It is understood Payet has rejected offers from Chinese Super League clubs because he is determined to return to France.
