Leeds table offer to sign forward who stunned Euro giants in CL last season – French journalist
Leeds United have stepped up their pursuit of Club Brugge forward Emmanuel Dennis by tabling an offer for the Nigeria international, according to French journalist Manu Lonjon.
The former Eurosport journalist, who now works as a freelancer, reported on his personal Twitter account on Friday afternoon that Bayer Leverkusen have eyed Dennis, 22, as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Kai Havertz.
Leeds and Napoli are also said to have made bids for the forward, who scored nine goals and supplied two assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for Brugge last season as they won the Belgian league title.
https://twitter.com/ManuLonjon/status/1296775069478387717
Dennis stole the headlines in October when he scored two goals in a shock 2-2 draw against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Champions League.
Brugge failed to qualify for the Champions League knock-out stages but did manage to qualify for the Europa League, where Dennis went on to score against Manchester United before his side eventually went on to lose over two legs.
However, Dennis’ form in Europe wasn’t exactly reciprocated in domestic competitions.
He was in and out of the Brugge side, starting just 15 of the club’s 29 league games before the Jupiler League was called to a halt early due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Belgian newspaper HLN reported that Leeds were interested in Dennis in July and added that Brugge want £22.7million for the attacker, who can play as a striker or a winger.
For over £20million, you would expect to sign a forward who can tear up one of Europe’s minor leagues, stay fit for most of the season and at least start more than 50 per cent of matches.
Leeds have been linked with a lot of forwards this summer and Dennis is perhaps the most underwhelming as his price-tag simply doesn’t match his performances in Belgium.
In other Leeds United news, this Ivory Coast international is wanted at Elland Road.