West Ham pull out of Troy Parrott deal as Joël Piroe move gathers pace

West Ham United have reportedly pulled out of negotiations for Troy Parrott after failing to meet AZ Alkmaar's €25million asking price, with the Hammers now turning their attention to Leeds United striker Joël Piroe.

Parrott had appeared to be moving towards a switch to West Ham, but the proposed deal has now collapsed.

According to Voetbal International, West Ham never came close enough to AZ's valuation and have decided to pursue Piroe instead.

Meanwhile, PSV have also made an enquiry about Parrott, although his asking price makes a move to Eindhoven difficult.

Parrott's absence from AZ's 4-1 victory over FC Utrecht on Saturday had increased speculation surrounding his future.

AZ officially attributed his absence to a minor injury, although teammate Mexx Meerdink appeared to accidentally suggest afterwards that the Republic of Ireland international was preparing to leave.

West Ham looked like the likely destination at that stage.

However, the Hammers have now withdrawn from negotiations after deciding AZ's asking price of around €25m is too high.

That represents a significant change after weeks of reports linking Parrott with a move to London.

West Ham's decision also helps explain their rapidly developing move for Piroe.

The Hammers have reportedly offered more than €17m for the Leeds United striker, with the 27-year-old now considered likely to move to the London Stadium.

It remains unclear whether Piroe would join through an immediate permanent transfer or an initial loan containing an obligation to buy.

Either way, his potential arrival now appears to have effectively ended West Ham's pursuit of Parrott.

Parrott could still leave AZ despite West Ham walking away.

FC Porto and RB Leipzig remain interested, while VI reports that PSV have also enquired about the striker's situation.

A move to Eindhoven currently appears unlikely, however, because of AZ's €25m valuation.

That asking price proved too high for West Ham and could present a similar problem for PSV.

Attention now turns towards Piroe, with West Ham appearing increasingly likely to complete a deal for the Leeds striker.

Parrott's future remains unresolved. West Ham may be out of the race, but interest from Porto, Leipzig and PSV means AZ could still receive another proposal before the transfer deadline.