Parker set for Hammers, Magpies to sign Barton

SCOTT PARKER is poised to join West Ham today, with Newcastle likely to replace him in their midfield with Joey Barton.

It is understood that 26-year-old Magpies captain Parker has agreed terms with the Hammers, while the clubs have agreed a fee for the player.

And that is expected to pave the way for Manchester City midfielder Barton to head north and join the St James’ Park club.

Current Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker handed in a transfer request last week after his adviser claimed he had not been given the right assurances over his future by the Barclays Premiership club.

The Hammers held discussions with midfielder Parker on Thursday, after fighting off late interest from London rivals Tottenham.

The £7 million-rated former Charlton and Chelsea player met West Ham officials and is now expected to become Alan Curbishley’s first signing of the summer.

Newcastle are likely immediately to plug the gap in their midfield by landing controversial 24-year-old Barton.

The Magpies can get the player if they meet the £5.5 million figure stated in the England international’s contract.

Barton missed the closing weeks of the season after being suspended by City following a training ground incident involving team-mate Ousmane Dabo.