West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic believe this club no longer needs to sell their stars to bigger teams.

The Hammers landed Dimitri Payet from Marseille for just over £10million last summer before the Frenchman became one of the stars of the Premier League in his debut season.

The 29-year-old playmaker was linked with massive clubs in both England and Europe following his performances for France at Euro2016 but opted to stay with West Ham which Bilic suggests has made a statement as they prepare for their first season in the vast surrounds of the London Stadium.

"In keeping Dimitri Payet we have shown the club is serious and trying to get to another level, as much or even more than with the new stadium," the West Ham manager told Sky Sports News HQ.

"West Ham was always labelled as a club that has to sell its best players, be it Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand or whoever.

"But we have kept Dimi, and we have shown to everyone that the club is thinking seriously."