Dimitri Payet to Barcelona: West Ham boss Slaven Bilic trying to secure star amid transfer rumours

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has no intention of selling Dimitri Payet this summer. The midfielder scored a match-winning goal for France in the opening game of Euro 2016 on Friday (10 June) and rumours continue to circulate about his long-term future – but Bilic does not plan to let go of his star man.

Payet, 29, enjoyed a stunning debut season with the Hammers, prompting speculation about him joining Arsenal or Barcelona this summer. However, Bilic has dismissed those reports, insisting Payet is happy in East London.

"His goal on Friday night, when it came, was unbelievable. We are all glad for him and that is what he needed," the West Ham boss said in the Daily Mail. "Of course, he isn't going to score like that every time but now I am expecting him to play better and better.

"And some will say it is a double-edged sword for West Ham and myself, and that if Dimitri continues to play like that there will be other big clubs circling. I don't think about that though."

Bilic added that although interest in Payet is likely to increase if he continues to produce head-turning performances, he hopes the midfielder goes on to be one of the stars of Euro 2016. "We are so proud to have him and apart from Luka Modric, or someone else from the Croatia team, I would like nothing better than if he was the player of the tournament," the West Ham boss said amid reports linking Payet with Barcelona.

"After that, what happens, happens, but we know he is happy at West Ham. I don't think that his performances will encourage a club bigger than us to try and get him — I just enjoy his football and I am glad for him."