Dimitri Payet pledges allegiance to West Ham after reports claimed Frenchman demanded £125,000-a-week wages

The Hammers signed Payet for £10.75m in the summer and the 28-year-old has since proved influential in wins against Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea

(Getty Images)

West Ham United and Dimitri Payet have both moved to quell speculation suggesting the Frenchman has demanded wages in excess of £125,000-a-week.

The Hammers signed Payet for £10.75m in the summer and the 28-year-old has since proved influential in wins against Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea as Slaven Bilic’s side sit sixth in the Premier League.

But the Daily Mirror this morning reported the player’s agent had asked for a salary-hike in excess of £50,000-a-week after just seven months at Upton Park.

In a statement released on West Ham’s website, the east London club said: “Following reports in today’s media, West Ham United would like to clarify that at no time have Dimitri Payet or his agent made any demands to the Club over a new contract.

“However, the Club can confirm that due to Dimitri’s outstanding impact since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, they have initiated amicable and productive talks about an improvement and extension to his contract. Those talks are progressing well and it is hoped they can be concluded shortly.

“Dimitri would like to make clear that he is very proud to play for West Ham United and he appreciates the support he has received from the Board, manager and fans since he joined the Club in the summer.”

Payet later tweeted: “I say & I repeat I'm proud to wear the shirt of west ham My future is here and I hope for many years.”