West Ham nearing Parker deal
Friday, 01 Jun 2007 18:16
Scott Parker rejoins former manager Alan Curbishley in east London
West Ham United appear to be on the verge of completing their capture of Newcastle captain Scott Parker after the clubs reportedly agreed a fee.
Although the price is undisclosed, rumours suggest it is likely to be more than the £6.5 million the Magpies paid for his services from
Chelsea but less than the £10 million the Blues paid Charlton for him in the summer of 2004.
Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has risked making an enemy of some sections of the St James' Park crowd by selling Parker, who is widely considered to be the club's most consistent performer.
However, the former Bolton boss is keen to stamp his authority on his new post and an exodus of the current crop of players who managed only a 14th-place finish in the Premiership last season always seemed likely.
Parker's move back to London will also see him reunited with former manager Alan Curbishley, who was the Charlton boss throughout the 26-year-old's stay at the Valley.
In securing the England international's services, West Ham have pipped rivals
Tottenham Hotspur who were also believed to be in the running to sign him.
Several players are already being linked with a move to the north-east as a direct replacement for Parker, including West Ham's own captain Nigel Reo-Coker and former
Manchester City skipper Joey Barton.
Both players seem set to leave their respective clubs in the summer after ongoing disputes.