The West Ham fans in the Transfer Tavern are absolutely gutted…

Dimitri Payet is, undoubtedly, one of West Ham’s best players – and that was proven by the fact that he was given a bumper new deal by the Hammers less than a year ago.

West Ham impressed last season, and much of that was down to the incredible performances of Payet – with the French midfielder undoubtedly the focal point of the Hammers attack.

It is no surprise, then, that West Ham’s struggles this season have coincided with the poor form of Payet. The Frenchman has struggled this season, and has been accused of laziness and a lack of effort by the Hammers in the Tavern. Now, it would appear as though we have a reason for his poor form.

As confirmed by Slaven Bilic (via West Ham’s official Twitter), Dimitri Payet is not happy at West Ham – and is, at present, refusing to play, with the Frenchman assumingly seeking a transfer. Crucially, Bilic also confirmed, though, that he would not be allowed to leave the club.

SB: "We have said we don't want to sell our best players but @dimpayet17 does not want to play for us. We are not going to sell him.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 12, 2017

The news has infuriated the West Ham fans in the Tavern, especially given how dedicated he was last season. They simply cannot understand why he wants to leave, and many of them feel that his desire to leave could have been crucial to West Ham’s poor form in the first half of the season.

Unsurprisingly, it is a very similar story online – with many West Ham fans on Twitter absolutely furious about the news…

In The Reserves

West Ham should sling Payet in the reserves, hate players like that. Make him sit his contract out! #WHUFC

— Matt Dettmer (@dettmer93) January 12, 2017

Let Him Go

If Payet wants gone then let him go. He'll never be cherished as much as he was at West Ham. Grass will definitely not be greener. #WHUFC

— Charlie Clayton (@C_Clayton_) January 12, 2017

Average

Worth pointing out Payet has been average at best this season and really hasn't shown anywhere near last season class #whufc @BroadcastMoose

— Sean Macleod (@SeanAMacleod1) January 12, 2017