Emmanuel Dennis is confident about securing a £20 million exit from Watford with Premier League quartet Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Everton and Fulham all keen, as reported by The Athletic.
If anything, it’s a surprise that no one has taken a punt on Dennis just yet.
You certainly would have got long odds on the Nigeria international being in contention for Watford’s Championship opener against Sheffield United. But, with The Blades set to arrive at Vicarage Road on Monday night, it seems Dennis may still have a part to play.
Unless, of course, one of his many top-flight suitors slam their foot onto the accelerator in the coming days.
Who will sign Emmanuel Dennis from Watford?
The Athletic say that both Watford and Dennis are ‘confident’ that an agreement will be reached. The Hornets are willing to cash in for a fee in the £20 million bracket. Where the journeyman forward ends up, however, is less certain.
The former Arsenal target is reportedly ‘encouraged’ by talks with big-spending Nottingham Forest. West Ham are also in negotiations however. And don’t rule out an approach by Fulham or Everton either.
The Toffees are arguably the club most in need of a left-sided forward; One who can both score and create in the final third. Everton sold Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in June after all. Interestingly, Dennis actually scored or assisted more goals (16) than Richarlison did last term (15), despite playing for a side who ended up in the relegation zone.
Fulham, in contrast, have already signed one inverted, left-sided forward. Manor Solomon finally arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk this week.
“He’s a very good player, with good technique,” former Watford ace Odion Ighalo says of his fellow Nigeria international. “He’s fast, he can score goals, he’s very intelligent.
The legendary Michael Owen, meanwhile, described Dennis as one of last season’s most inspired pound-for-pound signings. Watford look certain to make a massive profit on their initial £3 million investment.
“What a player!” Owen told Premier League TV. “What a bargain transfer he has been in the Premier League this season.”
Dennis was a bargain at £3 million. Can he be a bargain at £20 million too?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
