LEEDS United have failed in a bold attempt to sign former West Ham star Dimitri Payet, according to reports.
The France international playmaker is enjoying a successful second spell with Marseille.
Leeds were rebuffed in their attempt to land ex-West Ham star PayetCredit: AFP
Payet played under Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa during his first stint with the Ligue 1 giants six seasons ago.
And reports in France claim Argentine Bielsa contacted the 33-year-old during the summer, offering him the chance to be part of the newly-promoted Whites’ Premier League quest.
Payet is understood to have been strongly tempted to move to Elland Road.
He was a huge success in his debut Premier League season with West Ham in 2015-16, winning several player-of-the-year awards.
However he returned to Marseille in January 2017 for a record £25million following a bitter transfer saga.
Reunion-born Payet has now pledged his future to the port city club, signing a contract extension until 2024 – when he will be 37.
He played in Marseille’s stormy 1-0 win at champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Bielsa’s Leeds meanwhile shone in their first top-flight game for 16 years, pushing champions Liverpool all the way before finally losing 4-3 at Anfield.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa confirms that he will be staying at the club for the next year
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
