Pundit delivers verdict on shortlisted Parker rejecting plum England role for Tottenham | OneFootball

Noel Whelan insists Scott Parker would turn down a role with England to take the Tottenham job.

The former Leeds United hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims Parker will want to stay in the Premier League despite being eyed by the FA.

An England source has told Football Insider that Parker, 40, features prominently on the FA’s shortlist for the vacant role of England Under-21s manager.

Last month, Football Insider revealed Tottenham have made a behind-the-scenes move to assess the Fulham manager’s interest in replacing Jose Mourinho.

Spurs are still searching for a new boss after parting ways with Mourinho last month.

Whelan claims Parker would learn a lot from working with England but tipped him to remain in club management.

“Under 21s manager? I see that,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.

“That’s the way to progress in his career. His career as a manager is still very raw. Despite taking over at Fulham and being there for a few years.

“He’s got a lot to learn. Working with the U21s, with top quality players who are regularly playing in the Premier League, would be a step forward.

“He would learn a lot from working in that environment. Maturity, his strengths and weaknesses, he would learn a lot.

“But when you’ve had that taste of the Premier League, he won’t want to stop working every day.

“Even if he has the opportunity to work with some young players who are best in the world, the Tottenham job would be top of his list.”

Parker made 63 appearances for Spurs between 2011 and 2013.

He was unable to keep Fulham in the Premier League this season as they were relegated on Monday night.

In other news, proven manager is making a “huge play” for Tottenham job behind the scenes and is ready to quit plum post to get it.