25-year-old goal machine opens door to West Ham or Palace transfer

Vangelis Pavlidis of AZ Alkmaar celebrates after scoring during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between AZ Alkmaar and SC Heerenveen at the AFAS stadium in Alkmaar on October 21, 2023 (Photo by Ed van de Pol / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by ED VAN DE POL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

AZ Alkmaar striker Vangelis Pavlidis is confident he is capable of playing in Europe’s biggest league.

The 25-year-old Greek forward has been in sensational form so far this season — scoring 22 goals in all competitions already.

And recent reports claim the in-form AZ Alkmaar striker has caught the attention of a trio of Premier League clubs — West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Speaking recently to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf about the exciting links, Pavlidis said: “Are there things going on (regarding a transfer)? I don’t talk about that now, I prefer to keep that to myself.

“It is clear that I am physically and technically ready to take the next step.”

However, despite being a man in demand, the Greek does have some concerns over leaving AZ during the mid-season window.

“The transfer window in the winter is, of course, different than in the summer,” he added.

“It is more difficult in several ways. That is why I don’t know whether this is the right time.

“Everyone knows that I wanted to take the next step last summer. In the end it was not the right time, because a suitable club did not present itself. I am very happy at AZ.

“If nothing comes, I will just continue with what I did in the first six months of the season.

“I want to continue to provide goals and assists and help win games. I am very motivated to be (the Eredivisie’s) top scorer, to play with AZ for a place in the Champions League, and to strive for success in the cup.”