A REPRESENTATIVE of Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis has reportedly claimed Saints are among five teams considering a transfer offer for the Nigerian international.

The 24-year-old netted 10 goals in the Premier League last campaign despite the Hornets’ relegation, although only two of those came since the turn of 2022.

Dennis had arrived at Vicarage Road last campaign from Belgium giants Club Brugge, for a nominal fee less than around £4million. The forward also laid on six assists through the league season.

The Athletic have revealed that an agent of Dennis informed them of five clubs interested in giving him a Premier League berth again for the 2022-23 term and beyond.

Saints and newly-promoted Fulham are among them, although the report details Dennis is only a long list of targets for the St Mary’s side.

However, the Athletic report adds that teams are wary of the benchmark set by West Ham, who they claim have indicated a willing to pay up to £18million with a further £2million in add-ons.

No official bids have been tabled yet for Dennis, who is away on international duty with Nigeria. The 24-year-old will return for pre-season a week later than his non-international teammates.

There is an expectation that Dennis will indeed leave the club this summer, after catching the eye during his first Premier League season.

Saints also look to have interest in Red Bull Salzburg striker Junior Adamu, after the Austrian under-21 international scored 10 goals across all competitions during the recently finished campaign.

Ralph Hasenhuttl needs to add at least one striker to his squad with Armando Broja returning to Chelsea after his loan spell, while Shane Long could depart at the end of his contract this month.

The 21-year-old would likely cost considerably less to prise from his club, despite contracted to 2025.

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