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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to Italian publication Calcio Mercato, Juventus have entered the race to sign Tottenham prospect Troy Parrott.

What's the word?

The 17-year-old was a hugely impressive figure during Spurs' pre-season tour over the course of the summer, and scored for Ireland's U21s side during the international break.

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Now, Calcio Mercato claim Juventus are set to join Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in registering an interest in the teenager. However, the report adds Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is wary of letting Parrott leave, particularly after seeing another young talent in Marcus Edwards make his departure from north London.

A warning to Pochettino

If ever Pochettino needed a bit of prodding to make use of his precocious talent, then this is it. Harry Kane is undeniably the side's star man up front, and it is understandable why other strikers in recent seasons have failed to really get a look-in.

But Parrott's performances at academy level, where he has scored 22 times in 32 games, proves he is someone who can now make the step-up to senior football. Pochettino on the other hand, clearly doesn't think that is the case.

He said: "I think now is a process that he needs to be relaxed. If we put too much pressure (on him) we're going to push him to make a mistake and that is what we don't want. I think he needs time and we need to be relaxed. We cannot put his name every day in the (spotlight) because I think we are not going to help him. He is still so young so the best way to help him is to be calm and relaxed for him."

Pochettino's words in most situations regarding a youngster would be considered wise and logical. But with interest in the young striker hotting up, there simply cannot be any more waiting. More and more Premier League prospects are heading abroad, and they are blazing a new path. If Spurs don't give Parrott a genuine chance, some other side will. And that really will be on the north London side's conscience.

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