England midfielder Scott Parker handed in a transfer request to West Ham United on Tuesday, bringing his expected move from the Championship (second division) club to Tottenham Hotspur a step closer.
“I have had four fantastic years at West Ham United and will never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone associated with the club,” the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year said on the West Ham Web site. “The manager and the board have tried hard to convince me to stay, but at this stage in my career, I need to be playing in the Premier League, especially now that I am involved with England.”
“I hope the fans will understand and respect my decision and I wish the club every success in their fight for promotion this season,” he said.
PHOTO: EPA
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp earlier said the north London club expected to sign the 30-year-old, adding that he “did not envisage” any problems in completing the deal before the closure of the transfer window yesterday.
Parker, who has played six times for England, was previously at Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Newcastle United.
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season and speculation has surrounded Parker’s future ever since.
England international Joe Cole said he was looking forward to boosting Lille’s fortunes this season after signing a one-year loan deal with the French champions yesterday.
Liverpool player Cole, 29, traveled to France on Tuesday to -undergo a medical and, despite a late bid by Aston Villa, he opted to join the Ligue 1 club.
“Lille, Liverpool and Joe Cole have agreed on the terms of a one-year loan deal,” Lille said in a statement.
It was later confirmed that no purchase option was included in the contract.
Cole, who began his top flight career with West Ham before going on to play for Chelsea then Liverpool, has won three Premier League titles with Chelsea.
He has also scored 10 goals for England in 56 appearances.
However, his future at Liverpool had been hanging in the balance since last season. During this year’s campaign, Cole has not featured in the squad for any of Liverpool’s four competitive matches so far.
Lille were looking to reinforce their attack as they embark on the Champions League this season and regard Cole’s “experience and breathtaking honors list” as a boost to their campaign.
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