West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham transfer news: David Moyes set to fight off rivals to sign Emmanuel Dennis

Moussa Sissoko and Emmanuel Dennis celebrate Watford goal in Premier League, February 2022

West Ham United are set to step up their interest in Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis as David Moyes looks to bolster his attack for next season.

Moyes is keen to build on last season and a new attacker is high on his list. Dennis has been on the radar for a while and reports suggest Moyes will push to get a deal done. The competition will be fierce though with a host of rival clubs also keen.

Dennis was a revelation for the Hornets last season. Despite them being relegated from the Premier League he stood out with some impressive displays.

The 24-year-old arrived at Watford ahead of the 2021/22 campaign from Belgium outfit Club Brugge. The Hornets paid £3.6million to get him on board and it turned out to be a bargain.

Dennis went on to make 33 appearances for the club and scored 10 goals. Not only that he chipped in with six assists. Great numbers and it is no surprise there is interest from elsewhere.

Watford will struggle to keep hold following relegation and the offers are set to come in. It is thought Watford will be looking for anywhere between £20-30million for his services.

Despite accepting Dennis will leave, Watford still find themselves in a strong position. The player still has four years left on the deal he signed 12 months ago. So the Hornets will be able to hold out for a big transfer fee.

West Ham are not the only interested party though. Premier League rivals Brentford, Crystal Palace and Newcastle have all been credited with an interest.

La Liga outfit Villarreal are also in the hunt after sending scouts to watch him on a regular basis.

Emmanuel Dennis swoop would make sense

West Ham relied heavily on the goals of Jarrod Bowen last season after he fired home 18. Michail Antonio also scored 13 before his formed dipped.

Moyes needs to bolster his attack. A target man is also on the radar. But it would also make sense to get Dennis on board. His versatility would be a bonus moving forward.

The forward has proven he has what it takes to score goals and create in the Premier League. He would have to show he is no one-season wonder and all signings represent some risk. But he is a good age at 24 and could have further improvement in him.

Moyes will again need a big squad for next season. The Hammers are back in Europe and Dennis would add extra quality and another dimension. And at £20million plus, he would not break the bank either. But they could have to move fast as a number of other clubs will be thinking the same.

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