An ownership issue could see West Ham land David Moyes striker target Emmanuel Dennis ahead of Italian side Udinese.
West Ham have been linked with Watford striker Dennis since January.
And following Watford’s relegation, West Ham have reportedly held talks with the representatives of Dennis ahead of a potential summer move.
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According to football journalist Peter O’Rourke, Moyes is keen to bring the 24-year-old to the London Stadium.
The world and its wife knows that signing a striker is West Ham’s top priority this summer having failed to do so in the last three windows since selling Sebastien Haller.
Dennis has bagged 10 goals and six assists in 33 Premier League games for relegated Watford (Transfermarkt).
One of those was a sensational solo effort against West Ham in a 4-1 defeat for the Hornets at Vicarage Road.
For context that is one more goal than West Ham striker Michail Antonio and only two less assists, playing in a vastly inferior side.
Soccernet Nigeria recently claimed Moyes is a big admirer of Dennis’s versatility as he can play anywhere across the frontline.
West Ham do face competition, though, with Southampton, Fulham and Udinese (Calcio Udinese) also linked.
Beating Southampton and Fulham to his signature should not be an issue for the Hammers.
And an ownership issue could see West Ham land Moyes striker target Dennis ahead of Udinese.
Udinese – who finished 12th in Serie A last season – are owned, like Watford, by the Pozzo family. And the connection has seen a number of players move between the two clubs in years gone by.
But according to Football League World the fact Watford and Udinese share the same owners will work in West Ham’s favour.
Because the Pozzo family want to cash in on Dennis as much as possible following Watford’s relegation by selling him outside their organisation.
Watford are thought to want between £20 million and £25 million for Dennis (The Athletic) and West Ham are believed to be willing to offer an initial £18 million fee.
“Following the Hertfordshire club’s relegation to the Championship though, Dennis is set to depart Vicarage Road, but not before they make a handsome profit on the £3.5 million they paid Club Brugge for his services last summer,” Football League World reports.
“Whilst both clubs have the same ownership, which should in theory make a a deal uncomplicated, the Pozzo’s could make a lot more money by selling Dennis to another club…
“Udinese’s interest is probably a non-starter to be honest – it would be a major shock if he’s lining up in their colours at the start of the 2022-23 season.”