Ismaila Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis have been left out of Watford’s pre-season preparations amid interest from Premier League sides Everton, West Ham United and Newcastle, as reported by The Athletic.
When discussing his failed move to West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2020, Dennis indicated that he saw the Baggies as something of a stepping stone. Impress at the Hawthorns and surely another, bigger top-flight club would come calling.
Swap West Brom for Watford, and it seems Dennis’ theory was on the money. Watford will be a Championship team next season. But Dennis won’t be a Championship player.
The tricky Nigeria international was a bright spark in a dismal season for the Hornets. Dennis provided 10 goals and six assists in 33 league matches.
And his reward could be a £20 million move to Everton (Evening Standard). Frank Lampard needs a Richarlison replacement and Dennis, like the Brazilian, is at his most effective cutting in from the left.
Crystal Palace are also keen, while West Ham are allegedly planning a £20 million offer of their own (The Mirror). Dennis wants to stay in England. Southampton and Fulham are two more potential destinations. Then again, the Cottagers appear to be on the verge of signing another exciting left-winger in Manor Solomon.
Emmanuel Dennis a target for Everton, West Ham and Southampton
“(Dennis) is a very talented player,” former Watford boss Claudio Ranieri said in December. “He’s fast, has good skill, always runs straight to the goal; I love these kinds of players.”
Dennis, alongside team-mates Adam Masina, Danny Rose and the similarly coveted Sarr, were left at home as Watford jetted out to Austria for a pre-season training camp this week.
Sarr, the club’s record signing, fell some way short of expectations in 2021/22 but still has his fair share of admirers.
Newcastle and West Ham are just two of the clubs looking at the speedy Senegalese. And while Sarr does not appear to be Newcastle’s top target, he should be more affordable – and attainable – than the likes of Moussa Diaby.
Bayer Leverkusen are refusing to budge on their £50 million valuation of the former PSG starlet.
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