West Ham United does not have the best record when it comes to signing strikers in recent years. Many top forwards have joined the Hammers, but flopped in East London. They currently have Taty Castellanos leading their line, and the Argentine has done a good job. However, West Ham remain in a relegation battle and do not know whether they will be playing Premier League or Championship soccer next season.
This has not stopped the Hammers from being linked with many talented players. Sports Boom has reported that "Leeds United and West Ham are poised to pounce for red-hot Irish striker Troy Parrott after his sensational goal explosion in Holland."
Parrott came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur, but made just four first-team appearances for them. Whilst with Spurs, Parrott had loans at Millwall, Ipswich Town, Milton Keynes Dons, Preston North End, and then Excelsior in the Netherlands.
It was the Eredivisie where Parrott would really make a name for himself. After playing for Excelsior, he joined AZ Alkmaar permanently. In total for AZ, he has scored 44 goals with 12 assists in 83 games in all competitions.
Troy Parrott has become a key player for club and country
Parrott has also become a key player for the Republic of Ireland, and recently scored a hat-trick against Hungary to ensure the Boys in Green a World Cup playoff semi-final against the Czech Republic.
Dutch soccer is not on the same level as the Premier League, or even the Championship. Parrott played just twice in the Premier League for Spurs, so he would want a chance to prove himself in the best division in the world. Leeds are currently three points above the relegation zone, so have a better chance than West Ham of staying in the league. Therefore, a move to Elland Road may be more tempting for Parrott right now.
However, the Hammers are on a good run of form, and may even stay up at the expense of Parrott's former club, Tottenham. Parrott is only 24, so game time is what he needs most if he is to return to English soccer.