Sky pundit ‘surprised’ £20m man hasn’t moved amid Newcastle & West Ham talk

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Jobi McAnuff has expressed his ‘surprise’ that Newcastle United and West Ham United transfer target, Emmanuel Dennis, is still at Championship side, Watford.

The former forward and EFL expert added that he has been told that Dennis hasn’t been sulking since returning this summer, but West Ham and Newcastle are still keen on the £20 million man.

The 24-year-old started Watford’s Monday night draw at West Bromwich Albion, where another one of his sought-after teammates, Ismaila Sarr, scored from the halfway line.

West Ham are in Europe, so they will feel they have more of a pull than their Premier League rivals, who can outrump the London club because of the money Newcastle can throw at the play.

Either way, a player like Dennis is too good to be working his magic in England’s second-tier, despite his performances fading away during Watford’s relegation last time out.

Nonetheless, McAnuff spoke about Dennis’ future and how he expects the all-action forward to head for the exit door before the September 1 deadline.

“Not if he keeps playing the way he does. I am actually surprised to see him still there. Clearly, he has a valuation that hasn’t been met yet. All he can do is put in a performance.

“I spoke with Rob Edwards and he has been delighted with his application. He hasn’t been sulking or demanding a move. He knows he has to do the business on the pitch.

“They will be disappointed to lose him. But he’s doing his job so far.”

MOYES OR HOWE?

If Dennis is to move, then where should he head between West Ham United and Newcastle United?

The Hammers are the more proven outfit in recent years, already in Europe and are a few steps ahead of those from Tyneside.

But, all of that could change within the next eight months because Newcastle have ambitions of their own, with Eddie Howe in the dugout.

Newcastle ended the previous campaign in a very strong fashion and they are keen to get into Europe, a player like Dennis is perhaps more needed at St James’ Park because they have less depth, but if either club lands his signature, then they have an ice-cool forward on their forward.