The race to sign Troy Parrott is well and truly on, with two clubs now making concrete moves for the Irish striker as his time at AZ Alkmaar looks set to come to an end this summer.
Parrott has been one of the more interesting names floating around the transfer market in recent weeks, and it looks like things are starting to move quickly. The 22-year-old is expected to leave the Dutch club when the window opens, and interest is building fast.
The Dubliner has had a career that has taken him across several clubs since leaving Tottenham Hotspur, with loan spells at Millwall, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Preston North End and Excelsior before eventually landing at AZ Alkmaar on a permanent basis. He has shown enough quality at international level with Ireland to keep scouts watching closely, and now that attention is turning into actual bids.
Parrott has been a regular fixture in the Ireland setup under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, and his performances in green have arguably outshone some of his club form at times. That kind of showing on the international stage tends to keep a player in the shop window, and it has clearly done exactly that for the Tallaght-born forward.
At 22, he is entering what should be a crucial period in his development. Getting the right move this summer could define the next chapter of his career, and there will be pressure on him to choose wisely. A settled run of games at a club where he is genuinely wanted could unlock the kind of consistency that has sometimes been missing at club level.
AZ Alkmaar are unlikely to stand in his way if the right offer comes in. The Dutch club have a strong track record of developing and selling players, and Parrott moving on would fit the pattern of how they operate. The key question now is which of the two interested clubs will push hardest and whether either can offer him the platform he needs.
Details on the specific clubs involved have not been fully confirmed yet, but the fact that two sides have already made their move suggests a deal could come together relatively quickly once the summer window opens properly.
For Ireland fans, keeping Parrott happy and playing regularly is a priority. He offers something different in attack for the national team, and with Ireland building towards future World Cup qualification campaigns, having their striker sharp and in form at club level matters a lot.
All eyes will be on how this one develops over the coming weeks.