West Ham interested in Parker, but pacey striker the priority

A new striker remains the priority for West Ham this summer over the return of Scott Parker from Tottenham.

In a Q&A session on Twitter, chairman David Sullivan stated that he believed the club would improve on their 10th-place result of last season, which suggests that the 13/8 on offer that the Hammers finish in the top half again is a big price.

However, key to such an outcome would appear to be the capture of a new striker, with Andy Carroll and Modibo Maiga the only recognised frontmen now that Carlton Cole’s contract has expired and Marouane Chamakh has returned to Arsenal after an uneventful loan spell.

Carroll is also doubtful for West Ham’s season opener because of a heel injury, which they are 10/11 to win at home to Cardiff.

Sullivan has revealed that it is not for the want of trying that a new striker has still not arrived, with Wilfried Bony opting for Swansea as he was unprepared to play second fiddle to Carroll, while Estudiantes striker Duvan Zapata has been unable to get a work permit.

Darren Bent was one name put to Sullivan, but he believes the England striker is too injury prone, Loic Remy is deemed too high risk because of his off-field problems and Stoke’s Kenwyne Jones is not on the club’s wishlist because he is not prolific enough.

West Ham are reportedly content with the rest of their squad heading into the new season apart from the need for a quick striker, which restricts the chances of Parker returning from Tottenham.

Parker is one name that has been linked given that fingers and toes would be needed to count the number of midfielders battling for starts at Spurs this season.

But West Ham are determined to retain their available wage budget for use on a new striker or strikers, with the latest name linked with an Upton Park switch being Salomon Kalou.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.