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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Abbott

Striker target 'encouraged' by Nottingham Forest 'meetings' amid West Ham competition

Nottingham Forest are again being reported as the latest team to show an interest in Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis.

The Nigeria international made an instant impact in the Premier League last season after arriving from back-to-back Belgian champions Club Brugge, scoring eight goals and assisting another five before the turn of the year. That form did, though, tail off after a debacle around representing the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, adding only two goals and an assist to those totals as Watford were relegated to the Championship.

That has not put potential suitors off so far this summer, though, with a quarter of the total top-flight clubs credited with interest during this transfer window. The Reds are the newest addition to that list.

READ MORE: Nottingham Forest 'exploring a deal' to sign £25m-rated striker

READ MORE: Forest striker pursuit hits stumbling block amid £25m transfer demand

The Athletic report that Forest are "the latest team to show an interest", and sources close to the player say they were "encouraged by meetings that took place with the Forest hierarchy". The publication also adds that the plan would be the partner Dennis with fellow Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi up front this season.

One key meeting still needs to be set up before any deal can be sanctioned, though, as head coach Steve Cooper would want to "carry out his own due diligence" first before Forest commit to any transfer.

West Ham United are apparently ahead of the Reds at this stage as "discussions with key officials have taken place about a move", but they have also just announced the signing of Italy international centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca. Everton, Fulham, Southampton and Spanish side Villarreal are also interested to varying degrees.

Do you agree that Awoniyi needs a partner up front? Have your say in the comments...

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