Ex-Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has touted Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis as the best player to strengthen West Ham United ahead of the coming season.
The Hammers went through a tedious season with Michail Antonio as their only striker and had to rely on the efforts of attacking midfielder Jarrod Bowen for their goals.
David Moyes and the club’s board have decided to land a striker this summer and Watford man Dennis is one of the names on their list, according to reports.
The Hornets were unable to secure their place in the Premier League after winning promotion from the English Championship in the previous season. Dennis, however, stood out as a bright light in their full season, contributing to 16 goals – approximately 50 percent of their total in the Premier League last season.
Following their relegation, they are looking to raise funds by selling a few key players which will be used to strengthen their squad ahead of a Championship battle in the coming season. West Ham have been put on alert and are reportedly sounding out a move for the Nigerian striker.
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Kenny has given them another push by touting the 25-year-old’s qualities as what the West London club needs in their top four push next season.
“To get double figures in the Premier League is impressive,” Kenny said to Football Insider. “To get double figures in a pretty bad Premier League team that got relegated is even more impressive.
“He knows where the net is and I think he could be the perfect player to fill out the squad.”
Dennis could provide West Ham with squad depth, Kenny says
The former Republic of Ireland international also noted West Ham’s squad deficiency which cost them their sixth place finish from the previous season.
The Hammers finished in seventh place this season, just enough for the qualifiers for next season’s edition of the UEFA European Conference League.
Kenny explained that there is no better man to provide them with the depth in attack than Dennis.
“That’s what they need because I think it cost them this season, they had a very thin squad for a team competing in Europe,” Kenny continued. “Obviously they are in Europe again next season so they need a squad. A young lad with goals in him will be very useful.”
Kenny’s comments echo the ones made by former Sunderland striker Kevin Philips in May when he opined that another striker is the link between West Ham and the top four.
“West Ham are in desperate need of a striker this summer,” Philips said. “They can’t rely on Michail Antonio all season again. A striker is a real priority, certainly.
“He [Dennis] could be one of these shrewd signings who can end up getting you 15-20 goals a season. He’s going to be playing in a more creative, better side if he goes to West Ham. All of a sudden, he goes from a £20million player to a £40million player.
“I think it’s a gamble worth taking. He’s shown he can score a variety of goals at this level.”
