Scott Parker on verge of switch to Tottenham

 

Ben Rumsby,Laura Stevenson
Tuesday 30 August 2011 17:05 BST
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Parker is eager for a swift return to the Premier League
Parker is eager for a swift return to the Premier League (GETTY IMAGES)

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Harry Redknapp today revealed Tottenham were "very, very close" to completing the signing of Scott Parker and admitted Peter Crouch and Alan Hutton could leave the club.

Spurs boss Redknapp was hopeful of wrapping up a reported £6million deal for West Ham and England midfielder Parker, who has been a long-time target for the north Londoners.

Redknapp also confirmed he expected more ins and outs at White Hart Lane before the transfer window closes tomorrow night, with Hutton and Crouch both in line to be sold.

Tottenham remained adamant the duo would not be joined by Luka Modric, despite the midfielder being desperate to quit White Hart Lane for Chelsea.

There were conflicting reports today over the Blues' attempts to sign Modric - some describing them as dead and others suggesting a last-ditch cash-plus-Yossi Benayoun bid was on the table.

A cash-plus-player deal had also been mooted in Spurs' pursuit of Parker but Redknapp today revealed youngster Jake Livermore would not be a makeweight in any remaining negotiations.

He said: "It's very, very close. I don't think it's too far away now. Hopefully it will get done today.

"We don't envisage too many problems now. It should be a deal that gets completed - we'll just keep our fingers crossed that it does.

"Jake's not going to West Ham. They were interested in Jake but in the end the chairman dealt with it and just did a straight deal with West Ham.

"They've been good to deal with as well, West Ham. It's all gone through very smoothly so not a problem."

He added of Parker, who was encouraged to move by England manager Fabio Capello following West Ham's relegation: "He's a good player. I think he's what we need. He's a good lad, great attitude.

"Footballer of the Year last year and he'll be a good addition for this team - no doubt about that.

"He's a good character, a fantastic person, a proper family man, a real good pro. He'll be great around the place for us."

As well as adding players, Redknapp has been trying to trim his squad all summer and it looked likely today that striker Crouch and full-back Hutton would be allowed to leave.

Redknapp had previously insisted he had no intention of selling Crouch, who Press Association Sport understands is the subject of a bid from Sunderland.

He has also been heavily linked with Stoke and is also a rumoured target for QPR.

"A few clubs want him but we'll have to wait and see with that one," said Redknapp, who last week signed Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City.

"It's up to Crouchy. I've had Peter at a few clubs. Good player, great guy as well.

"But I suppose with Adebayor coming in it's an area that we're a little bit overloaded in and he's one that people want.

"So if we could do a deal with someone then it's a possibility."

Scotland star Hutton has fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane and has been linked with Aston Villa, who sold Luke Young to QPR at the weekend.

Redknapp insisted he did not know if Villa had made a bid, but added on Sky Sports News: "Alan's a good player. He's been away playing for Scotland and (Villa boss) Alex McLeish knows him, so it may well be a possibility I suppose."

Tottenham were also linked today with a cash-plus-Sebastien Bassong deal for Bolton defender Gary Cahill, while Sulley Muntari's agent claimed they were interested in the Inter Milan midfielder.

Whatever happens, it promises to be another busy transfer deadline day for Redknapp and chairman Daniel Levy.

"I think there'll be things happening here tomorrow," said Redknapp.

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