Frustrated by Parrott price, West Ham pivot to Leeds’ Joel Piroe amid striker hunt | OneFootball

West Ham have turned their attention to a deal for Leeds United forward Joel Piroe, after being frustrated in the club's pursuit of Troy Parrott.

TheChampionship side had an offer of £17m turned down for Parrott by AZ Alkmaar last week, with AZ seeking a fee of around £21.5m.

Parrott has scored 51 goals in 97 appearances for the Eredivisie side, who are holding firm in their valuation of the Irishman.

As a result, the Hammers are now considering their options. Contact has been made with Leeds to discuss a deal for Piroe, who played only 246 minutes ofPremier League football last season.

The Dutchman is a proven goalscorer at Championship level with 73 goals in 177 career appearances in England's second tier.

West Ham chase Joel Piroe after Parrott snub; Leeds prefer permanent deal as Hammers seek loan with buy option

Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham want to sign Piroe on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy next summer. However, Leeds' preference is for a permanent sale, after Piroe fell behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha, and Noah Okafor in Daniel Farke's plans.

West Ham have made the signing of a centre-forward their focus after an active summer of recruitment so far. The East Londoners completed the Championship record signing of Arne Engels from Celtic over the weekend, for a fee of £22m.

Engels follows Manor Solomon, Joel Veltman and Keiber Lamadrid as new arrivals at the London Stadium this summer.