WEST HAM vice-chairman Karren Brady has issued a hands-off warning to Aston Villa after speculation that the Midlands club were to launch a £10million bid for Scott Parker.

The midfielder, West Ham's player of the year last season, played an instrumental role in keeping the club in the Premier League. His strike against Wigan Athletic was the goal that secured the Hammers safety.

Parker is now on duty with England and is trying to break into Fabio Capello's final 23-man World Cup squad.

However, rumours are rife that Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to tempt West Ham with a £10m offer for the 28-year-old, despite co-owner David Sullivan insisting Parker is not for sale.

"It's interesting that David Sullivan has given his word that Scott Parker will not be sold and I think that's absolutely what we wish to deliver to the supporters, that he's not going to be sold," said Brady.

"So I think Aston Villa should reconsider making any approach because the worst thing is that it's very unsettling for the player, very unsettling for the club.

"I think if we wanted to sell him we'd go about it a different way but we really don't. He's the player of the year and he's very important to us in building a better team to take West Ham into a better future."