Troy Parrott to West Ham could be a “perfect partnership”, according to former Hammers striker Tony Cottee.
The Republic of Ireland international is attracting significant transfer interest after another prolific season with AZ Alkmaar, with West Ham among the clubs pursuing the £25million-rated forward.
Parrott has rebuilt his career in the Netherlands after struggling to establish himself during his time at Tottenham.
The 24-year-old has scored 51 goals in 95 appearances for AZ, including 31 last season, and now looks increasingly likely to move again this summer.
West Ham are among the clubs interested as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to strengthen his attack ahead of a Championship promotion push.
Former Hammers striker Cottee believes the move could suit both parties.
Speaking about Parrott’s future, Cottee described West Ham as a potential “perfect partnership” and argued that regular football should be central to the striker’s next decision.
Why Troy Parrott to West Ham could work
Cottee compared Parrott’s development to Harry Kane’s early career, when the former Tottenham striker also required several loan spells before eventually establishing himself.
Parrott has followed a different route by leaving English football altogether, but his spell with AZ has transformed his reputation.
West Ham now need another reliable goalscorer.
ReadWestHam analysed on Friday why the squad rebuild remains unfinished despite £140million of major summer sales, with centre-forward among the areas where Nuno still needs greater depth.
Competition for Parrott could make a deal difficult.
Fulham, Ajax, Real Betis and other European clubs have also been linked, while Tottenham retain a 20% sell-on clause from his move to AZ.
Cottee believes West Ham can offer something particularly important: the chance to become a leading figure rather than another squad player.
If Nuno is prepared to build his attack around him, Troy Parrott to West Ham could offer the striker a clear route back to English football and give the Hammers another proven goalscorer for their promotion push.
