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By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X) West Ham have made an opening transfer offer understood to be worth around £15million for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott. The bid was first reported by Mail Sport and represents the first concrete move from the Hammers for a player who has risen rapidly up Nils Koppen’s striker shortlist. As Claret & Hugh reported last week following conversations with a top agent, Parrott has moved to the top of West Ham’s transfer list after the club rejected the opportunity to sign Bamba Dieng and several other forwards offered to them. West Ham Make Their Move The £15million opening offer does appear to be somewhat on the low side given AZ Alkmaar are believed to value the Republic of Ireland international at around £27million. However, an opening bid is exactly that, and it’s encouraging to finally see West Ham’s owners putting genuine money on the table for the players recruitment director Nils Koppen has identified. Parrott would also address one of the most obvious weaknesses in Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad. As was evident during yesterday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Portsmouth, West Ham still lack a striker to adequately partner Taty Castellanos. Clock Is Ticking There is, however, a fairly significant deadline approaching. A club source has indicated to Claret & Hugh that the Hammers want key deals completed before the Championship opener against Burnley at Turf Moor, and Parrott is believed to be among them. If that’s the intention, there isn’t much time or wriggle room for prolonged negotiations with AZ. West Ham have made their opening move. AZ’s valuation tells us there is still considerable distance between the clubs. But after weeks of links, discussions and potential targets, the important thing is that the Hammers are finally bidding for the striker they actually want.