West Ham United are preparing to outbid rivals across Europe to sign former Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar.
The Hammers want to strengthen their attack quickly with the new Championship season approaching. Having been rebuffed by Sunderland over a move for striker Wilson Isidor, they have turned their attention to Parrott. The Republic of Ireland international also has interest from Ajax, Como, PSV Eindhoven and Real Betis, though Alkmaar are reluctant to sell to a Dutch rival. West Ham hope an offer of around £18million will be enough to see off the competition.
Parrott struggled during his time at Spurs but began to find his feet following an initial loan spell at Excelsior Rotterdam, and he has been prolific at Alkmaar since. He has scored 68 goals in 127 games across all competitions during his three seasons in the Netherlands, an average of a goal every 137 minutes. That includes 51 goals in 96 games for AZ in all competitions.
Prolific in the Eredivisie
In the league alone, Parrott has scored 40 Eredivisie goals in 81 appearances over the past three seasons, placing him among the Dutch top flight's leading scorers in that period. Last season was his most productive campaign, with 31 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances, a goal involvement every 86 minutes, and a career-best 16 Eredivisie goals.
He backed that up with five goals in five KNVB Cup matches last season, including in the final, as AZ lifted their first major trophy in 13 years. His 30th goal of the season came in that 5-1 final win over NEC Nijmegen.
AZ have started the new season with intent, winning the Johan Cruyff Shield with a 4-0 victory over reigning champions PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, only the second time the club have won that trophy.
International pedigree
The 24-year-old Parrott has won 37 caps for the Republic of Ireland and has scored six goals across his last three competitive internationals. That run includes both goals in a World Cup qualifying win over Portugal, a hat-trick against Hungary that secured a play-off place, and the opening goal against Czechia. He would be open to a return to London with West Ham despite the club currently playing in the Championship.
Other transfer targets
West Ham want another finisher to play alongside Jarrod Bowen. They expect striker Niclas Fullkrug to leave the club, with Lazio interested, and are working on a loan deal for winger Simon Adingra from Sunderland.
The Hammers will also make an improved bid for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. They would like to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, though he has interest from the Premier League, with Crystal Palace ready to bid. Cardiff City defender Dylan Lawlor is also a target.
