Stoke are planning a £9million bid for West Ham’s combative midfielder, Scott Parker. The Daily Mirror is reporting that Tony Pulis is preparing the bid as he hopes to beat the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham to Parker’s signature.
West Ham’s financial problems are well-documented and there is a real fear that they will be forced to sell some of their best players to balance the books. They are thought to be unwilling to sell Carlton Cole but may accept bids for Parker and Upson given their ages. Parker is 29 and the Hammers may look to cash in on the central midfielder in the hope that this would allow them to keep Cole and goalkeeper Robert Green.
Pulis has been promised a significant transfer budget by the Stoke hierarchy and is looking to bring in established Premier League players to boost his squad who have been struggling in recent weeks. Though they lie 12th in the table, Stoke are only 4 points clear of the relegation zone and recent form has been a cause for concern. A striker is thought to be the main priority as they are the league’s lowest scorers, but Pulis is also looking for a central midfielder to add energy to his side.
Parker may be open to a move away from West Ham, but with interest from Liverpool and Tottenham, Pulis will have to work quickly to persuade Parker, who still has England aspirations, that a move to Stoke would be the best thing for his career.
[Is there any substance to this and should this rumour Fly or Die?]
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