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Exclusive: West Ham Have More Than One Striker Deal In Play

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By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

Claret & Hugh have been informed this afternoon that there remain other striker targets on West Ham’s radar besides Troy Parrott.

Earlier today, Dutch media and Sky Sports News revealed that AZ Alkmaar had rejected West Ham’s opening bid for the Republic of Ireland striker, with the Hammers expected to return with an improved offer.

However, following conversations with a well-placed transfer source, C&H were told:

“It’s not just Parrott, he is one of a number of targets.”

We were not given any further information than that, but it would appear West Ham are keeping a number of options open as they attempt to strengthen Nuno Espírito Santo’s attack.

Parrott remains the favourite

At this stage, Parrott would still appear to be the favourite to sign for the Hammers.

West Ham have been pushing hard to complete the deal, with the club hoping to get Parrott signed in time for the Championship opener against Burnley.

As I’ve previously looked at in detail, the former Tottenham striker appears to fit what Nuno wants from his centre-forward, combining pressing and work rate with a considerably greater goal threat.

It is also believed that West Ham have not completely given up hope of signing Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, something backed up by an agent who spoke exclusively to us this morning.

Sunderland striker Isidor is still wanted by West Ham

West Ham haven’t given up on Isidor

Vardy reports appear overstated

Meanwhile, reports suggesting free agent Jamie Vardy could become the back-up option appear to have been overstated at this stage.

West Ham were linked with the 39-year-old earlier today, but it certainly feels as though the club are still going all out for their primary targets rather than settling for a short-term alternative.

There also remains an intention to get business completed ahead of the first Championship fixture against Burnley this weekend.

Parrott may currently be at the front of the queue, but we’ve now been told directly that he’s certainly not the only striker West Ham are looking at.

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.

14 comments

  • bonzosboi66 says:

    looks to me that if we sign 2 strikers it could be “tata Taty”

  • Mick Bering says:

    Jamie Vardy come on Very imaginative from KOPPEN

  • Timbo says:

    Now we have a number of targets. Last week we were told that we would be patient and wait for our first choice. I suspect Parrot is the one we really want so just get it done before someone else grabs him. We looked good up front on Sat but one injury to Taty or Bowen and we are stuffed.

  • Jamie Hickman says:

    Vardy it is then

  • mark wiggins says:

    Hi Kris if you look at Parrott I actually think he’s worth 25 million so if we get him for less great work. I know we were in debt but we have also made money . I just hope we show ambition on him and show the money . I would like to think DK is smarter than DS and sees the value in promotion . The lad is worth more than the price tag . Up there for thinking mr chairman please do it.

  • Jeeps says:

    All freebies after window has closed.

  • ricardo says:

    If the big money is not to be spent on Engels, use some of it to at least secure Parrot’s signing.

  • PB61 says:

    Gonzo, you posted on here on Saturday that we had signed Manor Solomon. Do you know when this will be announced by the club, or have you jumped the gun on this?

  • Ray says:

    They could have a hundred targets, but if you have no intention of getting within 25% of the asking price, that number may as well be zero.

  • Sue says:

    Come on let’s get Parrot in now
    Before we loose him to someone else
    We have already lost the Celtic guy because we are not willing to pay the asking price for young, proven players
    So get the offer in and over the line

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