Hammers to prise away talent from Ligue 1

Cape Town - Marseille has reluctantly accepted an offer from Premier League club West Ham for France midfielder playmaker Dimitri Payet.

Marseille said in a statement "it is absolutely not its intention" to sell Payet but that it was forced to accept the bid after the player's agent asked for a "colossal revaluation" of his contract.

The French club added it still hopes Payet will decide to stay in Marseille although he is expected in England on Thursday for a medical.

Payet will become new West Ham manager Slaven Bilic's first major signing since he took over from Sam Allardyce.

According to L'Equipe newspaper, the 28-year-old Payet will sign a five-year deal with an option for a sixth worth $16.8 million with the East London club.