BBC pundit Carlton Palmer has tipped West Ham to register an interest in Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis this summer, if the Hornets are relegated at the end of the season.
The Lowdown: Standout performer
Roy Hodgson’s team are currently second from bottom in the Premier League table and look all but certain to be going down to the Championship following their 2-1 defeat against Burnley on Saturday.
Despite the Hornets having a disappointing campaign, Dennis has been a standout performer in a struggling side, having delivered some impressive individual performances, reaching double figures for top-flight goals in his debut season in England.
Former Premier League midfielder Palmer believes that several top-flight clubs will be monitoring the 24-year-old if Watford’s inevitable relegation is confirmed in the coming weeks.
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The Latest: Palmer’s thoughts on Dennis
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the ex-England international admitted that he expects West Ham to be among the clubs making a move for the striker over the summer.
Palmer said: “If Watford go down, then there’ll be quite a few players that a lot of clubs will be interested in. Emmanuel Dennis will be one of those that I’d have thought that a lot of Premier League clubs will be looking for.
“Their better players are going to be looked at by clubs like West Ham, and by clubs in the top six.”
The Verdict: Ideal Antonio alternative
The five-cap Nigeria international has racked up 16 goal contributions in 34 outings across all competitions for the Hornets this term, via Transfermarkt. For someone who has been so prolific in the final third, he could prove to be the perfect strike partner for Michail Antonio at West Ham.
The £7.2m-rated star, who was described as an “intelligent” player by ex-Watford marksman Odion Ighalo in February, can play on both flanks and could provide David Moyes with a much-needed alternative to lead the line, with no recognised backup to Antonio at the London Stadium.
This additional squad depth would only be seen as a positive for the Irons, and should they decide to move for Dennis in the upcoming transfer window, his attacking prowess could help them in their bid to secure European football again next season.
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