Jamie Vardy emerges as West Ham United option for possible England return

West Ham United have made enquiries about Jamie Vardy as they consider adding the experienced striker to their squad for the summer transfer window.

The 39-year-old is currently a free agent and could become a target for West Ham United if the club’s efforts to sign Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar are unsuccessful.

West Ham United were relegated to the Championship after finishing 18th in the Premier League last season. The club are now assessing attacking options as they prepare for life in the second tier, with Vardy among the players under consideration.

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham United view Vardy as a potentially attractive signing because of his extensive experience and his ability to provide an effective attacking option from the substitutes’ bench.

Vardy’s availability has opened the possibility of a return to English football after his spell with Cremonese in Italy. He had already considered going back to England after leaving Leicester City, but instead moved to Serie A last year.

His time at Cremonese allowed him to maintain a competitive level despite the club’s relegation. Vardy scored seven goals and provided three assists in the Italian top flight.

However, the report says Vardy is determined not to rush into deciding where he will play next. There had been a feeling that he moved too quickly when making the family decision to join Cremonese last year, even though the experience itself had been valuable.

That caution is now influencing his approach to the next stage of his career. Rather than immediately committing to a new club, Vardy is taking time to consider his options, with a move back to England once again a possibility.

West Ham United’s interest is understood to depend partly on what happens with Parrott. The club have identified the AZ Alkmaar forward as a preferred target, but Vardy could become an alternative if those negotiations do not result in a deal.

For West Ham United, Vardy would offer considerable experience at a time when the club are adapting to relegation from the Premier League. His record in Italy also suggests he remains capable of contributing in front of goal, while his experience could allow him to make an impact even if he is used selectively.

For Vardy, a move to West Ham United would represent a return to the country where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most productive strikers. It would also give him the opportunity to continue playing in England after a season in Italy that brought personal achievements despite Cremonese’s relegation.

The former Leicester City striker is therefore being considered as a possible second choice by West Ham United, while he weighs up the right destination for the next move of his career.