Grant wants Parker to pen new West Ham deal

25 August 2010 16:30

West Ham manager Avram Grant is confident he can hold on to his midfield playmaker Scott Parker.

The Hammers captain has been linked with several clubs, including Tottenham, as the transfer window nears its close but Grant is certain he will sign a new contract and stay at Upton Park to inspire a new wave of youngsters from the West Ham academy.

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"As far as I know Scott is happy here. We want to develop young players but we need experienced players who are very positive. Scott is very important for us because he is one of the experienced players who have a good influence on the others."

Parker scored the late goal, deep into injury time, which secured West Ham's first win of the season in a 1-0 victory against Oxford in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The psychological importance was obvious to a West Ham team struggling for confidence after two successive defeats in the Premier League.

But keeping Parker is even more crucial, according to Grant.

"Scott Parker is very important," said Grant. "He is a very good player who is always fighting and giving everything, He is clever.

"I am confident that I want him in the team. He is going to sign a new contract but normally I do not want to be involved in the money situation.

Grant revealed he speaks to Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp almost on a daily basis but they have not discussed Parker.

"Harry didn't tell me anything and I spoke with him (on Wednesday) and he is my friend and I am sure he would have told me," said Grant.

Source: PA