Hammers still hope to keep Parker

The Hammers look certain to lose the services of the £10million-rated star, who was their one bright light in a season that ended in relegation last term.

Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with a move for the 30-year-old England international.

But new West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will make one final effort to convince Parker to lead the club back into the Premier League.

Hammers co-owner David Gold said: "Until Sam gets back and speaks to him we haven't given up on the possibility that we can keep Scott Parker.

"That will be an issue for Sam. He will be back in the office on Monday and I guess that's when the hard work starts."

If Parker does move on, Allardyce has a ready-made replacement in midfield in the shape of Kevin Nolan.

The 28-year-old has dropped down a division to link up with his old Bolton boss after leaving Newcastle in a £3.5m switch.

And Gold feels his club have pulled off a major coup in landing a player who scored 12 top-flight goals last term.

Gold said: "He is a quality, quality player.

"The relationship between him and Sam is very important. He's captaincy material, he's got that determination, will and desire to win which Sam has and the owners have.

"I know the fans are delighted, it's an absolute coup for West Ham.

"If we were still in the Premier League you would expect West Ham to be pursuing a player of his quality so to be in the Championship and persuade a great player to come to us...this is the player we can build our squad around — an iconic player."