Report: Marseille offer Dimitri Payet improved contract to deflect West Ham's interest

Olympique de Marseille are reportedly attempting to keep Dimitri Payet at the Stade Velodrome for a little longer.

Marseille have countered West Ham United's improved bid of £14 million by offering Payet a two-year contract extension that would keep him with the French club until 2019, according to the Guardian. Manager Marcelo Bielsa apparently asked Marseille president Vincent Labrune to offer the 28-year-old attacking midfielder new terms, and initial talks took place Monday.

Although West Ham's first bid of £12 million was allegedly rejected, the club were confident in striking a deal for Payet, who is set for reduced wages after Marseille failed to qualify for the Champions League. The Hammers are reportedly willing to offer the player a five-year contract with an option for a sixth season that would see him earn £70,000 per week.

Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, a major Marseille shareholder, is apparently expected to confirm within a week whether their contract extension will be formalised.

Through 36 Ligue 1 appearances last season, Payet notched seven goals and a league-leading 17 assists. He also led Ligue 1 in key passes per game (3.7), slicing open backlines on a weekly basis.