Exclusive: West Ham forward rejects new contract, Celtic in race to sign him
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Exclusive: West Ham forward rejects new contract, Celtic in race to sign him

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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West Ham United rising star Veron Parkes has turned down the opportunity to sign a professional deal at the club, Football Insider can reveal.

The Premier League club have high hopes for the teenage forward, 18, and were keen to secure him on a pro contract this summer.

However, a West Ham source has told Football Insider that it's believed Parkes has now rejected the offer in search of a quicker pathway to regular first-team football.

News of Parkes' contract situation has alerted a number of clubs in England and Scotland as well as several sides overseas.

The likes of Scottish giants Celtic, Ligue 1 outfit Monaco, MLS side New York Red Bulls and Dutch duo Fortuna Sittard and Heerenveen are all weighing up a move.

Significantly, the clubs know Parkes would be available for minimal compensation from West Ham.

The teenager is regarded as one of the best young prospects at the West Ham academy after they snapped him up from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in 2017.

Parkes has excelled for West Ham's Under-18s side this season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in just 14 Under-18 Premier League games.

Capable of operating anywhere across the forward line, he has also made his debut for the Under-23s in Premier League 2.

Celtic have an impressive track record of prising top talent for bargain prices from English clubs, with Jeremie Frimpong joined from Man City last summer and going on to have an excellent debut campaign.

In other West Ham news, it can be REVEALED that the club may sell forward for just £1million after prices tumble.

West Ham United
Celtic
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