Zinedine Zidane praises West Ham's Dimitri Payet as 'one of the most important players in Europe'

The Hammers player has attracted rave reviews for his performances at Euro 2016

Man-of-the-moment Dimitri Payet has emerged as France's star man (Getty)

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has praised West Ham’s Dimitri Payet as “one of the most important players in Europe”.

Payet has emerged as France’s star man at Euro 2016 having scored two important goals for the hosts while his performances have earned him rave reviews.

His fantastic form has caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs too and Real Madrid are alleged to be one club among many who are interested in signing the player.

Zidane’s comments could pave the way for a potential multi-million transfer bid from the Spanish giants. The club have a history of talking up their transfer targets before moving to sign them as they did with Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.

Fellow countryman Zidane said: “It is a great story - he [Payet] has always had talent, but now at 29 he is getting the respect he deserves.

“There is so much pressure on young players to perform on the biggest stage, Dimitri has shown things don't always have to happen early.

“When he wasn't in the French team he never gave up, and now he is proving he is one of the most important and talented players, not just in the French side, but in Europe.”

On the back of an outstanding season at West Ham, Payet was named in the PFA Team of the Year and subsequently earned the call up to the French squad having been overlooked in recent years.

In many ways Payet has carried France’s Euro 2016 campaign. He scored in the dying minutes of their opener against Romania to give the hosts a 2-1 win and scored late in France’s 2-0 victory over Albania.

The Madrid manager added: “He had an incredible season with West Ham, and now at the Euros is showing that no occasion is too big for him. He would improve any side in Europe, that is how talented he is.

Dimitri Payer celebrates his second goal in two matches (Getty)

“From a coaches perspective he is everything you look for in an attacking midfield player.

“He can score goals, he can create goals, he has real quality from set pieces. Any club would want him, he is improving all the time.”

West Ham will undoubtedly be concerned that their main man could be prised from their hands as they prepare for the coming season.