Parker signs new contract with West Ham

West Ham captain Scott Parker signed a new four-year contract with the struggling Premier League club on Thursday.

Parker had been linked with a move to London rivals Tottenham, who had a bid for the midfielder rejected during the transfer window, but he has now ended speculation over his future.

The 29-year-old’s deal, which has the option of a further 12-month extension, allows him to focus on lifting West Ham away from the relegation zone after Avram Grant’s side lost their first three matches of the season.

“I am just absolutely delighted to have signed the contract,” Parker told West Ham’s website.

“Everyone knows I enjoy playing my football here. I really wanted to stay here, give it a shot and see what can happen.

“With the transfer window there is all this big hype. There are obviously times when it is stressful but from the outset I always knew this was where I was going to be.”