Manchester City move for Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker

29 December 2008 10:23
The initial approach was dismissed out of hand by West Ham who, despite their widely understood financial problems, have given City no encouragement to return with a higher bid, according to a report in the Daily Mail[LNB] . [LNB]That will not dissuade Mark Hughes from trying again with an inflated offer as the City manager sets about restructuring his squad with the resources handed to him by the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners. [LNB]West Ham moved to 10th in the Premier League after a 2-1 victory over Stoke City at the weekend, and will fight hard to hold on to their better players, even though they are bracing themselves for interest from a raft of clubs looking to exploit the problems of the club's Icelandic owners. [LNB]The club have already turned down a £6m offer for Bellamy, whom they value at double that figure, from Tottenham. [LNB]City's interest in Bellamy, who played under Hughes at Blackburn and for Wales, is well known. However, Parker has emerged as a surprise target for the club who have been linked with a host of big-name international midfield players. [LNB]Hughes sees Parker as better value than Villarreal's 32-year-old holding midfielder Marcos Senna, and his Premier League experience would be important in combining City's short-term need to avoid a relegation fight as well as building for a future with higher aspirations. [LNB]Another player on Hughes' wanted list, Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure, is believed to have told his club that he wishes to leave the Emirates, though Arsenal have yet to confirm Toure has indicated as such. [LNB]With the transfer window set to open on Thursday all eyes will be trained on City, who are expected to be the biggest spenders by some distance as Hughes is given his first opportunity to exploit the enormous funds at his disposal. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph