Exclusive: Cremonese and Udinese Eye Move for Out-of-Favour Forest Striker Emmanuel Dennis

Italian clubs Cremonese and Udinese are closely tracking the future of Nigerian international Emmanuel Dennis, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Nottingham Forest, SportsBoom can report.

The ex-Watford forward is not part of manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans for the season and was left out of Forest’s registered Premier League squad. 

With just 12 months remaining on his contract, the club is prepared to sanction his departure before the summer transfer window closes.

Italian Interest

SportsBoom understands that several clubs are monitoring the striker, with Serie A duo Cremonese and Udinese among those showing the strongest interest.

Udinese, who came close to signing Dennis two years ago, remain admirers of the player. Their ties with Watford, with whom they share ownership links, could help facilitate a move should they take their interest further.

Previous Moves and Other Suitors

Dennis has previously been linked with a return to Turkey, where he featured for İstanbul Başakşehir, as well as a switch to Scottish giants Rangers. 

However, neither move materialised and he eventually joined Blackburn Rovers on loan in January.

A move abroad is thought to be the most likely option, with the striker seeking a fresh start after limited opportunities at the City Ground.

Struggles at Blackburn and Forest

The Nigerian forward endured a difficult loan spell at Blackburn, making just seven appearances without scoring and receiving a red card in a Championship clash with Norwich City in March.

He had earlier featured for Forest in an FA Cup tie against Wolves but struggled for fitness after being omitted from the first half of their Premier League campaign.

Dennis joined Nottingham Forest in 2022 from Watford in a deal worth around £22m. However, he has struggled to live up to expectations and now looks set to move on as he enters the final year of his contract.