PAYET GETS A MINDER
WEST Ham star Dimitri Payet has been given a minder to keep furious fans at bay as he prepares to leave the club.
The burly bodyguard was spotted outside the midfielder’s London home in a team-branded jacket.
The move comes just days after yobs hurled eggs and a brick at the property.
A van parked nearby revealed the 24-hour guard is from local group Triangle Security, with the firm’s website promising they are “fiercely loyal” to customers.
West Ham bosses called in the company after £3million-a-year Payet’s behaviour angered some fans into taking violent action against him.
The Frenchman, 29, enjoyed stunning success on the pitch after joining the club JIMMY McCLOSKEY from Marseille in 2015, but recent patchy performances and a refusal to play for the club have infuriated loyal fans as well as boss Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers manager has ordered his want-away star, right, to train with the development squad as punishment for his antics.
Payet is now said to want to return to his old club, who are keen to snap him up at a discounted rate.
However, the London side are demanding at least £30m for him, while Marseille have indicated they will not pay more than £25m. Despite the problems between West Ham and Payet, the club are determined to keep their star asset out of harm’s way, as shown by the hiring of the bodyguard. A West Ham source said: “Despite what is going on between Payet and the club, players should not be at risk in their homes.” The move comes after fans started singing anti-Payet songs and sprayed slurs against him on the walls of the London Stadium. Ironically, West Ham have picked up since dropping Payet, with back-to-back wins moving them up to 10th in the Premier League.