Respected journalist Ben Jacobs has made a significant claim involving Newcastle United and Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis. 

The lowdown: Two offered

So far Eddie Howe has added Sven Botman, Nick Pope and loanee Matt Targett to the St James' Park ranks this summer, stopping short of wholesale alterations or indeed any attacking additions as things stand.

Recently linked with sensational moves for Alexander Isak and Moussa Diaby, the possibility of either arriving on Tyneside was seemingly put to bed by a report from The Telegraph claiming that PIF were unwilling to reach the demands required.

Following a report from ChronicleLive claiming that recently relegated duo Burnley and Watford have offered Maxwel Cornet and Dennis to the Magpies during the summer transfer window, one informed onlooker has cast his judgement on which option Howe would turn towards...

The latest: 'Howe’s preference...'

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs, a reporter for CBS Sports, has claimed that the Toon outfit would opt for a move for Watford's seven-cap Nigerian.

He explained: “Newcastle are also considering Burnley’s Maxwel Cornet and Emmanuel Dennis. Dennis seems to be Howe’s preference between the two and Watford are very open to a sale.”

The verdict: Wise choice

Although Cornet made a instant impact upon arriving in the Premier League, one year younger at 24 and offering an abundance of attacking threats due to an ability to play numerous positions as well as a willingness to contribute defensively (WhoScored), Dennis appears to be the safer bet when it comes to top targets.

Last season the speedy Nigerian forward - who was hailed by journalist Josh Bunting for an 'absolutely electric'  8.10 rated Sofascore display whilst bagging a brace against Manchester United - scored ten times and provided six assists in 33 top flight outings, earning an impressive 6.80 average rating, completing 2.1 successful dribbles and winning 6.2 duels per game in the process overall.

Available for a mooted £20million and also targeted by Everton, Dan Ashworth, PIF and indeed Howe should waste no time in making their intentions known in finding much-needed support for a misfiring Chris Wood and injury-prone Callum Wilson.