• ‘Scott is not for sale at any price, to anyone,’ says Sullivan
• ‘This is a new era. We are building a bigger, better West Ham’

West Ham United have confirmed that they have rejected an offer from Tottenham for Scott Parker, with the chairman David Sullivan insisting the midfielder is not for sale at any price.

The 29-year-old England international has been linked with a summer move away from Upton Park, with White Hart Lane a possible destination to join up with the former Hammers manager Harry Redknapp.

But Sullivan told www.whufc.com: “I made a promise that I would not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to the West Ham supporters.

“Scott is not for sale at any price, to anyone. West Ham supporters, for far too long, have had owners that sell their best players and promise one thing and do another.

“This is a new era. We are building a bigger, better West Ham and when we make a promise, we honour it.”

The club’s website continued in a statement: “The club would like to state that regardless of the size of the bid, nothing will break the promise that chairman David Sullivan made to our supporters.

“As repeatedly stated, Scott Parker is not for sale and there are no circumstances and no amount of money that will cause us to break that pledge to the fans.

“The club informed Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy prior to him making the offer that we would not welcome any approach to unsettle the player. Scott Parker has three years left on his contract and the club has opened talks with his agent over a new five-year deal.”

West Ham UnitedTottenham HotspurTransfer windowPremier LeagueDavid Sullivanguardian.co.uk

• New Upton Park manager given assurance by club’s co-owners
• But ‘lucrative offer’ could see likes of Upson and Parker leave

Avram Grant has been told by David Gold and David Sullivan, the co-owners of West Ham United, that he does not have to sell any of his best players.

These include the England contingent in his squad; Robert Green, Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, and Carlton Cole.

Grant, who replaced Gianfranco Zola earlier this month, and was granted a work permit last week, will only have to sell a player if the club was to receive a particularly lucrative offer, Gold and Sullivan have assured him.

The Israeli took relegated Portsmouth to the FA Cup final this year, but was beaten at Wembley by another of his former clubs, Chelsea.

Avram GrantWest Ham UnitedJamie Jacksonguardian.co.uk

• Zola reaches financial settlement with West Ham
• Italian looking to return to management as soon as possible

Gianfranco Zola has set his sights on a swift return to management after finally reaching a satisfactory financial settlement with West Ham United.

Zola was sacked after the end of the season despite saving West Ham from relegation. The club have since appointed Avram Grant as manager, while Zola’s assistant manager Steve Clarke has also left Upton Park.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham and I will always be very grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to manage in the Premier League, especially at a club with such a great tradition in positive and attractive football,” Zola said.

“I am looking forward to finding a new challenge in the game and returning to management as soon as possible.”

The West Ham job was Zola’s first managerial post and although he enjoyed a fine first season, guiding the club to a ninth-placed finish and earning a new four-year contract, the Hammers struggled to avoid relegation last term.

David Gold and David Sullivan took over the club in January and Zola always appeared to be on borrowed time. A number of negative public comments from Sullivan did not help the Italian’s situation and it was no surprise when he was relieved of his post.

The League Managaer Association’s chief executive, Richard Bevan, has backed Zola to make a quick return to the dugout.

“He is a talented young manager and I am sure he will be back working in the game, passing on his knowledge and sharing his enjoyment of football with a new group of players,” Bevan said.

“The LMA shares Gianfranco’s disappointment at him leaving West Ham but would like to acknowledge the club’s assistance in resolving matters quickly and amicably.”

Gianfranco ZolaWest Ham Unitedguardian.co.uk