Joël Piroe closing in on West Ham move after €17m bid

Joël Piroe is reportedly closing in on a move from Leeds United to West Ham after the London club submitted an offer worth more than €17million for the striker.

Both Voetbal International and the Eindhovens Dagblad report that a transfer is now increasingly likely, with VI suggesting the 27-year-old's move could be completed shortly.

A breakthrough comes after Piroe's agent Theo Roebbers publicly criticised Leeds for changing their valuation of the forward during the summer.

The precise structure of West Ham's proposed deal remains unclear.

Piroe could move permanently immediately or initially join on loan with a mandatory purchase clause included in the agreement.

Either way, negotiations have now found an “opening” after several other interested clubs were discouraged by Leeds' demands.

Roebbers revealed that Ajax, Strasbourg, Alavés and Anderlecht had all shown interest in Piroe during the summer.

“We spoke with Jordi Cruijff about Ajax, but when he heard the asking price it was no longer an option,” the agent told VI.

Roebbers claimed Leeds had unexpectedly moved away from their original valuation despite Piroe receiving limited playing time at Elland Road.

He was sufficiently frustrated to warn Leeds that if there was no solution in the coming weeks, the club should not contact him again.

West Ham now appear to have found a route around that obstacle.

Piroe's potential arrival also raises questions about West Ham's pursuit of AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott.

The Hammers have been strongly linked with Parrott and previously submitted an offer for the Republic of Ireland international, with an improved proposal expected.

However, VI suggests Piroe's impending arrival could have consequences for that pursuit.

Parrott also has reported interest from FC Porto and RB Leipzig, potentially opening the door for those clubs if West Ham prioritise Piroe.

Should the proposed €17m-plus transfer be completed, former club PSV are expected to receive around €500,000 due to Piroe's years in their academy.

West Ham and Leeds must now finalise the structure of Piroe's transfer, with reports in the Netherlands suggesting an agreement is close.

His arrival could also determine whether West Ham continue their pursuit of Parrott, potentially giving Porto and Leipzig a clearer opportunity to move for the AZ striker.