Leeds Lead Race for AZ Alkmaar's Troy Parrott

Leeds United have emerged as frontrunners among Premier League clubs to sign AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott before the January transfer window closes on February 3, amid growing interest from several English and European teams seeking to bolster their attacking options.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who joined AZ permanently from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2024 for 6.7 million euros, has impressed with his prolific form since leaving north London, where he made only two senior appearances over seven years. In his debut season with the Dutch club, Parrott scored 20 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. This season, he has netted 19 goals in 25 games, including nine in 13 Eredivisie matches, tying him for fourth in the league's scoring charts behind Feyenoord's Ayase Ueda. His contributions extend to 10 goals in Conference League qualifiers and the KNVB Cup. Internationally, Parrott has become a key figure for Ireland, scoring five goals across matches against Portugal and Hungary to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup playoffs. He has 10 goals and three assists in 33 caps for his country.

Parrott's contract with AZ runs until June 2029, but the...