West Ham United have been handed fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Troy Parrott after learning what it could take to sign Nuno Espírito Santo’s leading striker target.
AZ Alkmaar are reportedly demanding around €20million (£17million), leaving a deal potentially within reach despite rejecting the Hammers’ opening offer.
West Ham made their first concrete move for Parrott this week as Nuno looks to strengthen his attacking options before the Championship campaign gets under way.
That proposal was rejected, but the gap between the two clubs may not be as significant as initially feared.
Troy Parrott transfer could be within West Ham’s reach
FourFourTwo reports that AZ are looking for around €20million, approximately £17million, to sanction Parrott’s departure.
The report adds that West Ham remain in pole position to complete the deal if an agreement can be reached over the price.
That would represent an encouraging development for the Hammers.
ReadWestHam reported on Monday that AZ had rejected an opening West Ham proposal worth between €18million and €20million, with reports at the time suggesting their valuation could be closer to €30million.
West Ham were already considering returning with an improved bid rather than abandoning negotiations.
If AZ’s true asking price is now closer to €20million, the financial gap could therefore be significantly smaller than first thought.
Parrott remains the striker West Ham are pushing hardest to sign.
The Republic of Ireland international has scored more than 50 goals during his two seasons with AZ and would also qualify as a homegrown player because of his development at Tottenham Hotspur.
Nuno wants another centre-forward despite Taty Castellanos beginning the competitive campaign with two goals against Portsmouth.
Parrott would provide additional competition across a demanding 46-game Championship season and has emerged as West Ham’s primary attacking target.
There is still work to do before a transfer can be considered close. AZ have rejected West Ham’s first offer and no improved bid has yet been confirmed.
However, a reported £17million asking price would appear far more achievable for a West Ham side which has generated significant funds through summer sales.
The Hammers now have a clear decision to make over whether to meet AZ’s valuation and secure the striker Nuno wants.
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