Parker signs new deal to end transfer talk

West Ham captain Scott Parker has ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract which will keep him in claret and blue until the end of the 2013-14 season.

The central midfielder, who signed from Newcastle in 2007, had been the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham, who had a bid for the 29-year-old rejected during the summer transfer window. The Hammers announced yesterday that Parker had signed a new contract that will see him stay at the club for another four years, with the option of a further 12 months.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said last year that Parker's importance to the club was so high that he was the only player in the squad that he would not consider selling.

The midfielder was an ever-present for the east London club during last season's campaign, in which the Hammers narrowly avoided relegation.