Real Madrid consider surprise move for West Ham talisman

Real Madrid have earmarked West Ham creator-in-chief Dimitri Payet as a potential transfer target in the case either James Rodriguez or Jese leaves in the summer, reports France Football, via Get French Football.

Payet, 29, is enjoying what he has called the best year in his career for West Ham this season and his performances have been instrumental behind the Hammers’ blistering campaign.

The former Marseille forward has even forced his way back into contention with the France national team ahead of the Euros in the summer and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Madrid, who are interested in signing him in the summer.

Rodriguez or Jese may be forced to find first-team football elsewhere at the end of the season after falling out of favour with Zinedine Zidane and the Frenchman could look to a fellow countryman as one of their replacements.

Payet is currently the second highest rated player in the Premier league this season (7.71) having played a direct hand in 19 league goals (nine goals, 10 assists). Not only that, but only Mesut Ozil (142) has created more clear-cut chances (111).

For more stats on Dimitri Payet, click here to visit his WhoScored player page