West Ham United are expected to continue their pursuit of Troy Parrott despite AZ Alkmaar rejecting an opening offer worth up to €20million (£17.3m) for the Republic of Ireland striker.
Nuno Espírito Santo remains keen to add another centre-forward before the Championship campaign begins, with Parrott emerging as the leading option despite competition for his signature.
GOAL, citing Voetbal International, reports that West Ham offered between €18m and €20m, significantly below AZ’s reported €30m asking price. The Dutch club rejected the approach, but there is still confidence that the gap between the two sides could be reduced as negotiations develop.
West Ham refuse to give up on Troy Parrott
Parrott is described in the latest report as West Ham’s top priority, suggesting the rejection has done little to change the club’s plans.
The 24-year-old has attracted interest from elsewhere in Europe, but West Ham’s need for another striker has become increasingly clear as Nuno shapes his squad for a demanding promotion campaign.
ReadWestHam reported earlier today that Jamie Vardy has also emerged as a possible option, with the former Leicester City forward available without a transfer fee. That interest gives West Ham another route if an agreement with AZ proves too expensive, although Parrott currently appears to be the player they are pushing hardest to sign.
There had already been signs over the weekend that his future in the Netherlands was becoming uncertain. ReadWestHam highlighted AZ’s decision to leave Parrott out of their starting XI against ADO Den Haag, although he was later introduced from the bench.
West Ham do not need to panic after Taty Castellanos began the competitive season with two goals against Portsmouth, but relying on one senior striker throughout a 46-game Championship campaign would carry obvious risks. Another forward would provide competition as well as greater flexibility during a season in which promotion is expected to be the priority.
AZ’s valuation remains the biggest obstacle. West Ham’s willingness to make an opening offer, however, indicates their interest has progressed beyond simply monitoring Parrott.
The first attempt has failed, but their pursuit appears far from finished.
