Here is your West Ham United morning digest for Monday, June 1.
Former Hammer explains Marseille pay cut refusal
Ex-West Ham star Dimitri Payet has spoken out on his decision not to take a wage reduction at Marseille, following the club’s decision to implement club wide cuts.
The French international reportedly earns around £100,000 a week at the Stade Velodrome, however he declined to follow the rest of the squad in taking a 30% cut, after the 2019/20 Ligue 1 season was cancelled in April.
However, the 33-year old has rejected claims the decision was based on monetary gain, but on the financial stability of his family.
“Everyone has their say on this matter,” he told French outlet Le Journal de l'ile de La Reunion.
“My position is clear and obvious. I am a father, with significant financial outlays and engagements to keep up.
“My role is to protect my family’s interests, without damaging the club. Everyone at Marseille knows how attached I am to the club.”
Payet returned to Marseille in 2017, after establishing himself as a fan favourite during an 18-month spell with West Ham.
Kevin Phillips highlights West Ham’s Grady Diangana transfer dilemma
Kevin Phillips has reiterated the potential headache facing West Ham over highly-rated midfielder Grady Diangana this summer.
The England Under-21 international has played a starring role on loan at West Bromwich Albion in 2019/20, with five goals in 21 games, as Slaven Bilic’s side push for Premier League promotion.
Bilic is keen to keep him at The Hawthorns next season, but Phillips told West Brom News, the situation could be complicated if West Ham are relegated.
“It will be a difficult one for West Ham if they are relegated, as he is the sort of player who can thrive in the Championship.
“But, from the player’s point of view, if you have been at a club all season and they have gone up to the Premier League, you will want to stay.
“You get the sense an agent could get involved, and a transfer request could be thrown in.”
Diangana signed a six-year contract at the London Stadium last summer, and the Hammers are likely to demand more than £15million from any potential buyers.
Roma chase West Ham target Gonzalo Montiel - report
Serie A giants AS Roma are reportedly keen on a move for West Ham ‘transfer target’ Gonzalo Montiel, from Argentinian club River Plate.
The Hammers have been linked with Montiel as a right back option for the 2020/21 season, with his agent claiming an offer has already been made for the 23-year old.
Current West Ham star Manuel Lanzini had tipped Montiel to be a success with David Moyes’ side, after he was initially linked with a January move to the Premier League.
Both clubs are rumoured to be willing to pay around £10m for him, but according to Argentinian source Infobae, River could hold out for his full release clause of £17.6m.
