I would like to take this opportunity to thank the chairmen and the board for what they did in ensuring Dimitri Payet signed a new, improved contract. They deserve a lot of praise.

The club are showing, with the new stadium and everything else, that they are moving forward.

One of the other best and most visible ways of demonstrating your progression, apart from financial stability, is the players on the pitch.

What we have done with Dimitri and what we are seeking to do with several other players, is the best signal to the fans, the squad and those who may come in the future, that we are not only talking serious — but acting serious as well.

Speaking about the future, I see we are being linked with some top strikers for next season already — including Michy Batshuayi from Dimitri’s former club, Marseille.

Yes, he is a very good player and I have known him for some time, since he played for Belgian club Standard Liege before going to France. We tried to sign him when I was at Besiktas but it was mission impossible at that time, partly because of the transfer fee but also because he wanted to stay closer to England, Germany or Spain.

When he joined Marseille his game time was limited because Andre Pierre Gignac was also there. However since Gignac moved to Mexico last summer, Batshuayi has blossomed.

He is one of top strikers in Europe so there will be much interest if he is available. Also we have to assess the situation with our strikers because we have good ones here, some who are playing and others who are injured.