By Wayne Veysey

21st May, 2022 | 12:02pm

Sources: West Ham open talks to sign Emmanuel Dennis after London meeting

West Ham are stepping up their bid to sign Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis after holding talks this week, Football Insider understands.

The 24-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Londoners as David Moyes looks to add his attacking options for next season.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Watford are ready to cash in on Dennis this summer following their Premier League relegation.

His representatives were in London earlier this week to hold talks with interested clubs, including West Ham.

Nigeria international Dennis has been one of Watford’s shining lights this term after joining from Club Brugge last summer.

He has scored 10 goals this season as well picking up six assists despite the Hornets’ poor campaign.

Dennis also thrived against tougher opposition this season.

During an impressive run of games against Man United, Leicester, Chelsea and West Ham in November, he scored five goals and registered two assists.

He is versatile, playing mainly on the left wing and as an out and out striker but he can also play on the right.

Michail Antonio is West Ham’s only senior striker but he has struggled for goals in 2022.

Jarrod Bowen has helped to carry the load but signing a new striker will be one of the Hammers’ priorities this summer.

Watford will play Championship football next season after only winning six of the 37 league games they have played so far.

They will bow out of the top flight with a game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (22 May).

In other news, a pundit has issued a verdict on Declan Rice signing new West Ham deal after ‘incredible’ footage emerges.