Since joining Posh last summer from Luton Town, Jack Marriott has been scoring goals for fun. And expectedly, along with his success, a shed load of interest has followed. But, of all the clubs interested, only one can have him, who will it be?
Over the past seven months, Jack Marriott has been strongly linked with Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Bristol City and Derby County, with it even being reported by The Sun Premier League side Crystal Palace and West Ham looked at him in January. Aston Villa are also rumoured to have looked at Marriott after he tore them apart in a historic 3-1 win for Posh in the FA Cup in January.
However, since Bielsa’s arrival, links between Leeds and Marriott have run cold. Aston Villa are highly unlikely to be able to stump up the £6m plus Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony wants for their top goalscorer.
Nottingham Forest appear to be the favourites to sign the 23-year-old, after MacAnthony revealed manager Steve Evans had dinner with Forest’s Aitor Karanka.
Rumours circulating amongst Posh fans that Marriott was set for Bristol City, after it was reported by the Peterborough Telegraph that the London Road club had been offered striker Matty Taylor plus cash for Marriott.
The Derby Telegraph have been reporting about the Jack Marriott transfer saga more and more recently, as Frank Lampard looks to build his team for his first campaign as a manager.
Fan favourite Marriott could get stay at Peterborough United for another season to help Steve Evans lift the club out of League One. The 23 year-old only moved into the area last summer and has a young family, so could be persuaded to stay. The Posh faithful have made no secret of their love for their latest star striker, and they could yet play a crucial role in potentially keeping him at the club.
Marriott’s ability is no secret. The Englishman has bags of pace, determination and stamina. His clinica nature in front of goal is frightening, dinking the keeper on several occasions for Posh last season, against Wigan, Bury and rivals Northampton just to name a few. Chairman MacAnthony has said whoever signs Marriott will be promotion favourites.
So, where will Jack Marriott end up next season? Well, Bristol City are favourites according to Football Whispers. But, the temptation of playing under England legend Frank Lampard may draw Marriott to Derby. However, free spending Nottingham Forest are after another striker after signing Lewis Grabban from Bournemouth, and have built a good relationship with Boro over the years. Time will tell as the window goes on and clubs get more desperate to get their deals done.
