Jamie Vardy could return to English football at the age of 39, with West Ham considering a move for the veteran striker if their pursuit of Troy Parrott fails.
The former Leicester City forward is a free agent after his contract with Italian side Cremonese expired, his first spell outside England. The Hammers could offer him a chance to return to the country.
West Ham's striker hunt
West Ham, preparing for their first Championship season in over a decade, are targeting Parrott, formerly of Tottenham, who now plays for AZ Alkmaar, where he has scored 51 goals in two seasons.
The Times reports that a £15m bid has been rejected, and if the Dutch club refuse to sell, it could open the door for Vardy to move to the London Stadium. Sunderland's Wilson Isidor is also on their shortlist, but the club has insisted he is not leaving.
Vardy's career highlights
Vardy spent most of his career with Leicester, scoring 16 times in their 2014 Championship promotion season. Within two years he was a Premier League winner and a prolific top-flight scorer, netting 145 goals in the Premier League, 14th on the all-time list, and winning the Golden Boot in 2020.
He won another Championship title with Leicester in 2022, scoring 20 goals, and his experience could prove valuable for West Ham as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.
The Hammers have announced the signing of Manor Solomon, who joined on a three-year deal for £7m from Tottenham. The winger was on loan at Leeds when they won promotion in 2025.
Season outlook
West Ham are favourites to win the Championship, having retained Jarrod Bowen and manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who won the second tier with Wolves in 2017. They began their season by beating Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup and face Burnley on Sunday at Turf Moor in their opening league fixture.
