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Zinedine Zidane has began Real Madrid's charm offensive by lavishing praise on Dimitri Payet .

Madrid boss Zidane has hailed countryman Payet, France's star man at Euro 2016 , claiming “he would improve any side in Europe” and has “everything” a coach wants from an attacking midfielder.

Zidane's comments follow a familiar Madrid tactic of talking up their transfer targets before signing them as they have done in the past with the likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale .

And Madrid's track record of success with that approach will alarm West Ham who, as Mirror Sport revealed last week, fear Payet will be impossible to keep out of the clutches of Europe's big guns if he continues to shine at the Euros.

France legend Zidane said: “It is a great story - he (Payet) has always always had talent, but now at 29 he is getting the respect he deserves.

“There is so much pressure on young players to perform on the biggest stage, Dimitri has shown things don't always have to happen early.

(Image: Getty)

“When he wasn't in the French team he never gave up, and now he is proving he is one of the most important and talented players, not just in the French side, but in Europe.

“He had an incredible season with West Ham, and now at The Euros is showing that no occasion is too big for him. He would improve any side in Europe, that is how talented he is.

“From a coaches perspective he is everything you look for in an attacking midfield player.

“He can score goals, he can create goals, he has real quality from set pieces. Any club would want him, he is improving all the time.”

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(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce)

Payet will return to France's starting eleven for tomorrow's last-16 tie against Republic of Ireland.

The Lyon clash will be a repeat of France's controversial World Cup play-off win over Ireland which came after Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up to France's winner.

France no2 Guy Stephan said: “It's been over six years now. There are only two or three players from then on each side.

“I do not think it will particularly be on Ireland's minds. It's part of history.”