Leeds United reportedly interested in £18 million-rated Emmanuel Dennis

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Leeds United could be in the hunt for Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis, according to reports in Belgium this week. 

Het Laatste Nieuws is reporting, as relayed by Walfoot and VoetbalKrant that the Nigerian is adamant about a departure from the Belgian side this summer as he wants to play at a higher level.

Dennis has missed multiple pre-season engagements this summer, although there is some confusion over a potential ankle injury being the reason.  Brugge boss Philippe Clement told DH in May that it was ‘very likely’ Dennis, who can play as a centre-forward or right-winger, would leave this summer. 

Newcastle United and Wolves are mentioned as keen but Leeds United are also said to be joining the running for the hot-shot. 

Leeds are of course set for Premier League football next season and need another striker to challenge Patrick Bamford in attack. Dennis appears to be one of many options that the club is considering. 

The 22-year-old Nigerian has been in good form for the Belgian side this season his nine goals in 33 games include a brace against Real Madrid and a delightful finish against Manchester United, so it is clear he relishes playing against the bigger opponents. 

After scoring against Real, Dennis made headlines for copying the signature celebration of Bernabeu legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I like Cristiano and for me, he is the best player in the world,” Dennis told RTL after the game. “I was sad when he left Madrid and I celebrated my goals like that to show them that they lost something.”

Dennis was unplayable that day and Manchester United had real difficulty with his imposing display in the Europa League and there is no doubt Dennis has the hallmarks of a top Premier League striker. 

A report in December from Foot Mercato suggested Dennis was valued at €30 million (£27m) by the Belgian side but that valuation will have dropped massively amid the current global health crisis.

This new report suggests Brugge wants a fee in the region of €20-€25 million (£18m-£22m) for the player. 

Whilst his goalscoring record is not likely to blow Leeds fans away the calibre of teams he has scored against should. 

Hopefully, if he arrived at Elland Road, he would bring similar big-game status to his play.