Nice join Marseille in race for Dimitri Payet

Ligue 1 challengers Nice have joined the chase to sign wantaway West Ham United attacker Dimitri Payet. The 29-year-old is desperate to return to France in the current transfer window.

Former side Marseille are said to have tabled multiple offers for the France international with their maximum sum of £25m still being below the Hammers' £30m asking price.

According to The Mirror, Nice are the latest club to express interest in the player and are hopeful that the lure of potential Champions League football could urge him to move to the club.

The French outfit are for now reluctant to negotiate a permanent deal, but they would be willing to free up the player's £125,000-a-week wages as they seek to clinch their first league crown in nearly 60 years.

Payet has constantly iterated his desire to return to Marseille this month, and a move to a league rival could anger Les Phoceens' faithful.