Troy Parrott indicates AZ Alkmaar exit is close as clubs circle striker

Troy Parrott said now is the time for him to take the "next step" in his career though the Ireland forward is unsure where that will take him

Troy Parrott scored 31 goals in 48 appearances for AZ Alkmaar this season. Pic: Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images

Ireland hotshot Troy Parrott has strongly indicated his time at AZ Alkmaar could be at an end, as he admits his  excitement at the next phase of his career.

Describing his goal-laden spell in the Dutch top flight as the best two years of his life, he completed club duties with Sunday’s season finale against NAC Breda.

Overall, the 24-year-old Dubliner finished the season with 31 goals in 48 club appearances in all competitions, plus another six goals during the final three games of Ireland’s World Cup tilt that ended in shootout heartbreak in Czechia.

The rib injury which curtailed his involvement in Sunday’s final game to only 37 minutes won’t prevent him from reporting for international duty next week ahead of friendlies against Qatar and Canada.

Suitors have been circling the forward all season, including the January transfer window, but it seems certain a hefty eight-figure fee will be accepted over the summer.

English clubs Leeds United and newly promoted Coventry City have been linked with a swoop but the player may decide to extend his continental spell by joining one of his admirers from the German Bundesliga or Serie A.

"I think now is the time for me to make the step for my career for myself,” the former Tottenham attacker told ESPN after Sunday’s 3-3 draw for the Dutch Cup champions.

“In football, anything is possible. And I think at this stage for me, it's important for me to take the next step in my career and to try and play at the highest level.

"As I said previously, this club has shown trust and faith in me to give me the opportunity to push towards that and so I'll be forever grateful.

“If it's the last game I'm not sure because maybe I'm still here when we have to play PSV (in the Dutch Community Shield)."

He added about the speculation: "So much can happen in football and I have no wish, no dreams in terms of a destination that I want to go to.

“I’m okay with it being unknown. So, whatever happens, will happen. I'm excited, I'm looking forward to it.

"It might be quick, it could be long. For now, it's too hard for me to say this is the last game, but if it is, then I've had the best two years of my life.

"I've met some amazing people in this club, giving me the opportunity to become the player that I am now, and to give me the opportunity to make the steps that I can make.

"I've loved every second of being here. I love the coaching staff, my teammates, the fans. I'm really, really happy and grateful that we could finish the season with a trophy."

He swiftly brushed off any concerns about the knock he took to the midriff.

“I have a small thing in my rib but I'm very happy," he affirmed.

"This has been a great season. It's come to an end now, it's been long, but it's been really good. I would have liked to have scored some goals on Sunday but it's okay because we've had a great season so everyone's happy.” 

His former club Tottenham will bank a 20% cut of the fee, expected to be at least €20m.