Sheffield United 'target' expected to leave Club Brugge - but who is Emmanuel Dennis?
Sheffield United's reported pursuit of Emmanuel Dennis could have just received a boost after Philippe Clement, his manager at Club Brugge, admitted he is resigned to losing the striker soon.
Dennis signed a new contract at Brugge, which runs until 2022, but the club are braced for bids when the transfer window reopens, with United set to battle Premier League rivals Arsenal for the 22-year-old's signature.
But who is Dennis, and why are the Blades reportedly interested in him?
Hailing from Nigeria, Dennis made his name with Ukranian side Zorya Luhansk and played for them in the Europa League, reportedly attracting interest from Manchester City. He then moved to Brugge in 2017, for €1.2 million.
Will Brugge sell him?
It seems so. Clement has all but admitted he expects Dennis to depart. "It is very likely that Dennis will leave," he told La Derniere Heure. "He can also count on a lot of interest. It is the time for him to take a new step."
How much will he cost, and who else is after him?
Reports have suggested that Brugge will ask in excess of £20m for Dennis, which would make him one of United's most expensive ever players if he were to come to Bramall Lane. But United aren't alone in their interest. Arsenal are also said to be keen, as are United's Premier League rivals Newcastle, Brighton and Watford. Sampdoria and Monaco are also supposed to be interested.
Is he any good?
Only time will tell if he adjusts to the Premier League - if, indeed, he ends up there - but the early signs are promising. Two of his nine goals this season have come against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He trolled Madrid by copying Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration after his second goal.
Where will he fit in?
Although he plays primarily as a striker, Dennis can also play wide if United ever tweak their system. This year he averages 0.36 goals per game, slightly outperforming his expected goals of 0.35, and also contributes defensively - averaging almost two interceptions per game going the other way.