Ajax and Real Betis ignite interest in Ireland striker Troy Parrott

Ajax and Real Betis have made contact with AZ Alkmaar about Troy Parrott, in a deal that could go beyond £25m. All of Fulham, Como and PSV Eindhoven are meanwhile surveying how it develops, with a view to potentially trying to hijack any deal.

Parrott has had another sensational season with AZ, with one of many peaks the five goals against Portugal and Hungary in November’s international break, that took Ireland into a World Cup play-off.

That has seen a series of clubs take interest in his progress, with the five above – from four different countries – currently the most keen. Parrott himself is open to another transfer abroad, given how beneficial the move to the Netherlands has been for his career.

Betis are especially keen but the challenge is about securing the right deal.

AZ have long wanted a package that comes to around £25m, with many in football seeing that as a great price for a 24-year-old with a high ceiling and still considerable potential to grow.

Parrott joined AZ from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2024 having been sent out on loan spells to five different clubs during his time with Spurs including Millwall and Preston North End.

He made the switch to the Eredivise in a £6.7m move scoring 14 goals in 30 league appearances in his first season with AZ. He bettered that last year with 16 goals from 28 league appearances and has netted 33 times from 61 games for the club.