OPINION
When it comes to West Ham in the January transfer window much of the focus has been on Marko Arnautovic and his potential exit to China.
The Austrian hitman has been heavily linked with a move away from east London with claims that there have been at least one bid made for his capture from the far east.
As reported by Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol on his personal Twitter account, it was Shanghai SIPG who tabled a bid, said to be in the region of £35million, for the 29-year-old’s capture, but the latest claim regarding the Chinese Super League is one which could have the Hammers faithful jumping for joy.
Solhekol states that the club are now looking into making a move for 38-cap France international Dimitri Payet, a man who is very much deemed a villain at the London Stadium after forcing his way out back in 2015, but the 5’8″ (source: Transfermarkt) could become a huge hero if he does make the move to Asia.
Shanghai SIPG want to sign Dimitri Payet from Marseille. They've already had £35m bid rejected by West Ham for Marko Arnautovic. Now also looking into signing Payet. West Ham sold Payet to Marseille for £25m two years ago
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 17, 2019
Payet and Arnautovic are completely different players but if Shanghai are seeking one attacking marquee signing then the Frenchman’s move would put the Austrian’s exit from east London in serious doubt, with few others likely to meet West Ham’s asking price.
The Irons faithful will have distanced themselves from Payet since his exit but he could well be the man who brings them the most joy this month, and would be an Irons hero if he stopped Arnautovic leaving the club.
There have not been too many cases where fans of one club have been urging a player at another side to move to a different team but this is definitely one of those times.