Everton manager Roberto Martinez opted against signing Dimitri Payet before he joined West Ham last summer, according to The Daily Mirror.
Roberto Martinez reportedly flew to watch Payet in action for Marseille during the backend of last season, but instead opted to develop Ross Barkley in the No 10 role.
By pulling out the race for the 29-year-old, West Ham were given a clear run at the creative midfielder, who has since proven to be one of the best signings of the season.
In fact, only two players have garnered a higher WhoScored rating than Payet (7.66) in the Premier League this season and only Chrsitian Eriksen (84) and Mesut Ozil (116) have created more clear-cut chances than the France international (76), who has played at least four games fewer.
For more stats on Dimitri Payet, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
