West Ham V Hull at Olympic Stadium : Match Preview

16 December 2016 17:34
West Ham V Hull - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Bilic expects Payet to remain at West Ham despite Manchester United links

Slaven Bilic expects Dimitri Payet to stay at West Ham in January.

Reports in France this week claimed Hammers star Payet could be on his way to Manchester United, with fellow Frenchman Anthony Martial heading in the opposite direction.

But West Ham boss Bilic said: "I can't see any truth in that.

"Regarding Payet, not regarding Martial. He is a good player, a great player. But I don't see this happening.

"Do I expect Payet to stay? Of course. Great players are always the centre of interest. Payet is one of the best in the world and they are always the ones who are linked with the big clubs.

"But I hope, and I expect, he will stay with us."

While speculation about Payet's future is likely to be a continuing theme of next month's transfer window, West Ham have tied down another talent in the shape of Reece Oxford.

The highly-rated defender was a target for Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United but marked his 18th birthday by signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium.

"It is great news for us," said Bilic. "It is great news to sign one of the best talents, for him to stay with us for the long term, and it is a great thing for him as well.

"This is the best club for him to continue his development."

Oxford will miss Saturday's visit of Hull with an ankle injury as West Ham look for back-to-back wins to climb further away from trouble following the midweek victory over Burnley.

Simone Zaza, Gokhan Tore, Reece Oxford, Sam Byram and Diafra Sakho remain on the sidelines.

Hull boss Mike Phelan retains the belief his players are good enough to stay in the Premier League and that is his message before their first visit to the London Stadium.

The Tigers, second from bottom after one win in their last 11 league games, conceded three goals or more for the sixth time this season when losing 3-0 at Tottenham on Wednesday, but Phelan insists they still have it all to play for.

"We go there full of life," he said as Hull prepare to return to the capital for the second time in four days in search of their first win in six league matches.

"We're on the front foot. Yes we've lost games but my players are putting everything into their chance in the Premier League.

"We just need to get a bit lucky if we can."

Dieumerci Mbokani returns to contention to boost Phelan's options up front following a three-game ban.






Source: PAR