West Ham are reported to be close to sealing a £7m deal for Newcastle captain Scott Parker after fending off late interest from Tottenham.

The club’s chief executive Scott Duxbury held late-night talks with Parker’s representatives and the player is set to meet West Ham officials on Thursday after a fee was agreed .

If the move goes through Parker would be reunited with his former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley.

Parker spent seven years with Curbishley at The Valley and before completing a £10m move to Chelsea. But with first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge, he moved to St James’ Park in a £6.5m deal in 2005 and was made skipper last summer.

New Newcastle manager Allardyce has identified Manchester City’s Joey Barton as a likely replacement for Parker. The out-of-favour midfielder is available for £5.5m and Newcastle have begun preliminary moves to negotiate a deal.