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By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X) With Arne Engels seemingly through the door, attention has inevitably turned to who will become West Ham’s next signing — but Nuno Espírito Santo wasn’t giving anything away when asked about Troy Parrott and Jamie Vardy. The Hammers boss refused to be drawn on either striker during his press conference, although Claret & Hugh understands that West Ham’s interest in Vardy is genuine, while Parrott remains firmly in the club’s sights. Nuno also trotted out the usual clichés about having to respect other clubs’ players, but given what we’ve been told by sources previously about Arne Engels and Manor Solomon, it’s fair to say there is genuine interest in Parrott. Parrott interest is very real The same source who exclusively revealed to Claret & Hugh last month that West Ham were looking at three Celtic players also confirmed there was genuine interest in Parrott. That Celtic information proved particularly significant, with Arne Engels subsequently emerging as one of the three players on West Ham’s radar. With Engels now seemingly secured, it makes sense that attention should turn towards strengthening Nuno’s forward line. That said, an internal club source has also mentioned that there remain other striker targets, so this isn’t necessarily Parrott or bust. Nuno believes Vardy can still do a job Vardy remains a genuine option Jamie Vardy is still very much one of those options, although if it happens, we’re told he would be viewed as a fourth-choice striker rather than the main man. C&H were informed last week: “The manager still thinks Vardy can do a job.” West Ham considering Vardy doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve abandoned plans to spend significant money on a younger striker. At 39, the former Leicester forward would clearly represent a very different type of signing to 24-year-old Parrott. Nuno’s comments also come at a time when West Ham’s transfer business is finally starting to move after a painfully slow summer. The arrival of Engels would give the manager some much-needed creativity in midfield, but the need for another centre-forward remains obvious. The Hammers have looked at numerous options throughout the window and, whilst Nuno was never likely to start discussing other clubs’ players publicly, the information we’re receiving privately is much clearer. Parrott remains firmly in West Ham’s sights. Vardy remains an option. And there are others still on the list.