By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
With Arne Engels seemingly through the door, attention has inevitably turned to who will become West Ham’s next signing — but Nuno Espírito Santo wasn’t giving anything away when asked about Troy Parrott and Jamie Vardy.
The Hammers boss refused to be drawn on either striker during his press conference, although Claret & Hugh understands that West Ham’s interest in Vardy is genuine, while Parrott remains firmly in the club’s sights.
Nuno also trotted out the usual clichés about having to respect other clubs’ players, but given what we’ve been told by sources previously about Arne Engels and Manor Solomon, it’s fair to say there is genuine interest in Parrott.
Parrott interest is very real
The same source who exclusively revealed to Claret & Hugh last month that West Ham were looking at three Celtic players also confirmed there was genuine interest in Parrott.
That Celtic information proved particularly significant, with Arne Engels subsequently emerging as one of the three players on West Ham’s radar.
With Engels now seemingly secured, it makes sense that attention should turn towards strengthening Nuno’s forward line.
That said, an internal club source has also mentioned that there remain other striker targets, so this isn’t necessarily Parrott or bust.
Nuno believes Vardy can still do a job
Vardy remains a genuine option
Jamie Vardy is still very much one of those options, although if it happens, we’re told he would be viewed as a fourth-choice striker rather than the main man.
C&H were informed last week:
“The manager still thinks Vardy can do a job.”
West Ham considering Vardy doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve abandoned plans to spend significant money on a younger striker. At 39, the former Leicester forward would clearly represent a very different type of signing to 24-year-old Parrott.
Nuno’s comments also come at a time when West Ham’s transfer business is finally starting to move after a painfully slow summer. The arrival of Engels would give the manager some much-needed creativity in midfield, but the need for another centre-forward remains obvious.
The Hammers have looked at numerous options throughout the window and, whilst Nuno was never likely to start discussing other clubs’ players publicly, the information we’re receiving privately is much clearer.
Parrott remains firmly in West Ham’s sights.
Vardy remains an option.
And there are others still on the list.
I would take Vardy in a flash, not as our only striker signing but he offers so much still and on the same kind of deal as Wilson is a no-brainer. He is all effort, will give you goals and what a motivator for the younger team players he would be
Nelson can’t be considered as backup for Solomon both have injury history besides his wages.
Is there going to be a need to replace Bissaka if he goes to Villa? Maybe Harrison Burrows.
Still need cover for Solomon’s pace. Edvin Austbo?
Vardy being a freebie can come if necessary after transfer window shuts.
Parrott and Disasi look to be next on agenda.
Joel Piroe looks like good option as second striker partnership he had with Solomon at Leeds.
Seems odd that we are still considering Nelson if there were concerns arising from his medical. We can’t assume that Bowen and Solomon will remain fit for the majority of a 46 game season, so although we have young talent in Ajala and Lamadrid, some proven and reliable backup is also required. Don’t mind Vardy as long as he is in addition to Parrott as Taty prefers to play off another striker anyway. Sort these issues out and we will look like the strongest team in the league, still too many holes at the moment.