Hammers fight off Spurs for Parker

It is understood West Ham's chief executive Scott Duxbury was involved in late night talks with Parker's representatives after Spurs had attempted to hijack the deal.

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The England international travelled to London this morning in order to meet with West Ham officials and pave the way to becoming Alan Curbishley's first signing of the summer.

Never before have West Ham been in a position where they can tempt leading Premiership players to Upton Park with healthy salaries.

But, as one source put it today, money has ceased to be an issue since Eggert Magnusson's consortium took over the club.

Curbishley has been given significant funds - thought to be in excess of £40million - to ensure there is no repeat of last season's relegation battle and to spearhead a challenge for Europe.

Magnusson wants his club to be pushing for Champions League football within three years while a new stadium is part of that plan.

Also reportedly on the Hammers' hit-last are Charlton striker Darren Bent and Everton's Australian midfielder Tim Cahill, though things have gone quiet from the club over their attempts to keep Carlos Tevez.

A move to Upton Park would see Parker link up again with Curbishley, his old boss at Charlton.

Parker made his England debut in 2003 while playing under Curbishley at The Valley before completing a £10million to Chelsea in January 2004.

Relations between the two were strained at the time, with Curbishley left frustrated and disappointed at Parker's decision to leave and the way the move came about.

"He made it abundantly clear in more ways than 10 that he didn't want to stay with us any more. The way it has been conducted over the last two or three weeks has left a bad taste in my mouth," Curbishley said at the time.

But that now appears to be water under the bridge. With West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker seemingly on his way out of the club after handing in a transfer request, Curbishley sees Parker as a potential captain.

The 26-year-old, capped three times by England, would also bring quality and grit to a West Ham midfield which lacked both elements for much of the season.

Parker, who is celebrating the birth of his third baby this week, is also thought to be keen on a return to London, where his family is based.

Newcastle's new manager Sam Allardyce is reported to be eyeing out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton as a potential replacement for Parker.