Parker move too rich for Redknapp

Posted Monday, July 18, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp admits he is unlikely to make a move to sign England midfielder Scott Parker from West Ham United unless the asking price drops significantly.

Parker is expected to leave Upton Park as he looks to stay in the Premier League following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship last season and Redknapp has been strongly linked with the 2011 PFA Player of the Year.

Redknapp has never hidden his admiration for Parker and has considered a new move for the 30-year-old after failing to sign him 12 months ago.

However, Redknapp says Spurs are unlikely to sign Parker due to the prohibitively high finances involved for a player in the latter part of his career.

"If you take into account the fee of around £8 million ($12.9m) , signing on fees and wages, you're talking about a £30 million ($48.4m) deal," Redknapp told the Sunday Mirror.

"There is no way the club would sanction a deal for a 30-year-old who would have no re-sale value at the end of his contract."

Aston Villa are also believed to have made a bid for Parker, while Chelsea have been linked with a loan move for their former player as they seek cover for the injured Michael Essien.