Reports continue to link Jack Marriott to a number of Championship outfits but talks of a transfer have not progressed beyond the preliminary stages. Peterborough United are awaiting a bid that is nearer to their valuation of the player from clubs like Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City. The striker himself is ready to take his talents somewhere else but according to Forest director of football, Barry Fry, would prefer a move to City Ground.
When asked about Marriott’s transfer, Fry said, “Jack [Marriott] does want to join Nottingham Forest. But Derby’s interest is recent and I would say they have a better chance of making us the right sort of offer. I spoke to Frank Lampard and his father at the play-off finals which was before he had got the Derby job, although it was common knowledge he would be appointed.”
“We talked about a lot of players, but Harry Redknapp had told him to keep an eye on our club because of our habit of finding goalscorers. Forest say they are keen on Jack, but they have made no offer yet despite their manager being very friendly with our manager. They talk all the time and Jack is a regular subject. Bristol City are also very keen, but again no bid has been made that I would even take to the board.”
This should be a huge concern for the Leeds faithful who are yet to see a scoring number nine enter the gates of Elland Road this summer. With Abel Hernandez supposedly asking for sky-high wages, Marriott would have been the perfect alternative for a relatively cheaper price.
The 23-year-old racked up a remarkable 33 goal-tally last season in his 56 appearances across all competitions. He also set his teammates up 5 times to come out of the League One as a major attacking threat.
Marriott began playing professionally for Ipswich Town and made his debut in May 2013 in the 2-0 away defeat to Burnley. The 23-year-old earned high praises from his academy coaches for his astute scoring abilities at such an early age.
After a number of loan spells away to sides like Woking, Gillingham and Carlisle United, the Englishman finally hit his strides at Luton Town, scoring 16 goals in 44 appearances and subsequently getting bought out by the Posh on a 4-year contract.
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He moved to the ABAX Stadium as a prospect and is expected to leave as a finished product, all within a single season. The Peacocks should act on their interests quick before the Beverley-born forward is snatched up by any of the rival sides.
