Brentford transfer news: Emmanuel Dennis signing would not mean the end for star man but rivals are keen

Brentford are being linked with a swoop for Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis but will have to battle with Crystal Palace for his services, reports have claimed.

The Bees are looking to build on Premier League survival and have a new striker on the wanted list. According to the Sun, Dennis is the player they want but competition will be fierce. Indeed West Ham along with Palace are said to be in the hunt.

It is no surprise that Dennis is attracting interest. The 24-year-old caught the eye for the Hornets after signing from Club Brugge last summer.

They may have been relegated from the top flight, but Dennis still managed to shine. The striker chipped in with 10 goals and six assists in his 33 appearances. Numbers that now have clubs forming an orderly queue.

Watford have accepted they are likely to lose Dennis after just one season at the club. Relegation means that departures are inevitable and it will be hard to keep Dennis.

The player will be keen to stay in the Premier League after having a taste and Watford will cash in. They are in line to make a significant profit as well after paying just £3million to get him on board. The asking price now stands at £20million.

Club Brugge will be entitled to a small sell-on fee but Watford still stand to make a tidy sum. Now Brentford just have to match the valuation to have a chance of getting the deal done. Dennis is tied to a four-year contract so Watford are in a strong position.

Dennis is seen as a strike partner for Ivan Toney, not a replacement. Toney is also the subject of rival interest but the Bees are said to be confident of keeping hold.

Competition for Dennis will be fierce. The Sun report that Crystal Palace are also keen. But the interest does not end there as West Ham are in the hunt. They will also be able to offer him European football next season.

Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal have sent scouts to watch him, while Newcastle get a mention.

Emmanuel Dennis a risk worth taking

The capture of Dennis would be a great addition if the Bees can fight off the competition. Toney top-scored last season with 14 goals, while Yoane Wissa bagged 10.

The goals were also spread out nicely throughout the team. Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Forss and Sergi Canos all contributing. Even so you can never have enough goals and Dennis has proven he can score them.

There is a slight question mark over whether he could hit the same heights in his second season. But there is a risk with any signing and this could be one worth taking.

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