Parker signs new deal at West Ham

West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has signed a new contract that will keep him at Upton Park until 2013.

The 28-year-old was linked with a move to Manchester City in the January transfer window, but has now pledged his future to West Ham.

Parker told the club's website: "I am very happy, pleased and excited - especially after all the speculation in the transfer window.

"I can now put that to rest and sign a new long-term contract."

The former Newcastle and Chelsea player added: "In the last few weeks, the way the club is going and the direction that the manager and the board want to go, is something I want to follow.

"By signing my new contract, it says that I want to do this as well. It also says a lot about West Ham. There have been a lot of negative things written, saying there was a crisis and all of that.

"This shows that West Ham are in a position to keep their players when others want them and as a player and for the fans, that is a great thing.

"The manager Gianfranco Zola showed a real desire to keep me. He sees me as a massive part of the squad and that meant a lot to me, especially when there were things being written everywhere. So I am delighted to sign."

Parker follows England strikers Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole in committing himself to the club long-term, while youngsters Jack Collison and Freddie Sears have done likewise.

Zola said: "This is great news. Scott is an excellent player and it is good to have him at our service for more years.

"We have a long-term view, and we need time to set up our project and give it a chance to grow.

"The club are sticking to this policy and it is brilliant. It means we are really serious about everything that we have said."