Transfer news: West Ham want Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker to take wage cut ahead of possible return

Former midfielder is being linked with a return but must reduce his £70,000-a-week wage if he is to complete deal.

Scott Parker (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham are looking to persuade former midfielder Scott Parker to return to Upton Park by taking a pay cut after he was made available by current club Tottenham.

The midfielder is one of a number of players that Spurs deem surplus to requirements, and Parker could return to east London having left for White Hart Lane in 2011 for £5.5m.

One possible hitch though is his salary, with the England midfielder currently earning £70,000-a-week, with the Hammers refusing to match that wage. With interest in signing another striker as well, West Ham are seeing their summer spending increased with each move, having already signed striker Andy Carroll for £17.5m.

West Ham officials are hopeful that Parker will agree to a wage cut in order to secure first team football, as he looks to earn his place in England’s World Cup squad next summer.

With Spurs bringing in £17m Paulinho, Parker will find his opportunities limited at Tottenham, who also have Sandro, Mousa Dembele, Clunt Dempsey, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Tom Huddlestone available in midfielder, though the latter has been linked with t a move away.

Reports emerged yesterday in Italy that West Ham had enquired over Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella’s availability, as they looked to bring in another forward that can play alongside Carroll.