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West Ham could yet be forced to pay a Championship-record transfer fee for Troy Parrott this summer.

West Ham United have now learned the sizeable amount needed to secure their leading attacking target, Troy Parrott.

Dutch club AZ Alkmaar are reportedly demanding a fee close to a Championship record — €20 million (£17 million) — for the Republic of Ireland international Parrott.

According to Sky Sports, the Eredivisie side have already turned down an opening bid from the Hammers. Reports in the Netherlands add that the AZ decision-makers are unwilling to approve the 24-year-old's exit unless their full asking price is paid.

Nuno Espirito Santo remains in charge at the London Stadium after West Ham's relegation and is understood to have identified Parrott as the central figure in the Hammers' attack as they push for an immediate return to the Premier League.

The East London side have raised significant funds this summer through the sales of both Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, transfers that are expected to bring in around £150m for the club.

Those departures have left the club's revamped board with money to reinvest in the squad. Even so, West Ham's hierarchy are expected to keep a close eye on financial discipline.

Dropping out of the top flight comes with a major reduction in revenue, which means West Ham must weigh up an ambitious Championship rebuild alongside prudent financial management.

Parrott's reputation has risen sharply during his two seasons in the Eredivisie, where he has scored more than 50 goals in all competitions. His performances for the Republic of Ireland last season also brought him wider attention in football, although he was ultimately unable to guide his country to the 2026 World Cup.

Parrott also qualifies as a crucial homegrown player because of his development in Tottenham Hotspur's academy, an important factor in meeting EFL squad regulations.

FC Porto are also interested in signing Parrott, but West Ham are still regarded as the frontrunners to complete the move if an agreement over the fee can be reached.

If West Ham do go beyond £17m to sign the striker, he could become the most expensive player ever bought by a Championship club, especially if performance-related add-ons are included.

At present, that mark is held by Burnley's £20.5m obligated purchase of Florentino Luis this summer, before he was immediately sold to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.