Championship club set to sign former striker for the THIRD time in four years with star looking for move after being released by Premier League side in the summer

Watford are exploring a return for striker Emmanuel Dennis.

The 27-year-old is a free agent after terminating his contract with Nottingham Forest by mutual consent in August.

He has had tentative interest from West Ham, before coach Nuno Espírito Santo opted against a deal, while Pafos from Cyprus, who are in the Champions League, made him a good offer, as did AEL Limassol.

Dennis had a successful spell at Watford after joining them from Bruges in 2021. He scored 10 goals in 35 games before Nottingham Forest stepped in to sign him for £10million a season later.

However, he failed to replicate his form at the City Ground and drifted into a couple of loan spells including one at Watford again where he scored four goals in 17 appearances.

Dennis has been eager to remain in one of the top leagues so, despite interest from clubs far and wide, has been particular about where he ends up. However, with time drifting, he has become more open-minded about examining offers from the Championship.

Watford have replaced Paolo Pezzolano with former coach Javi Gracia and want to give him more forward options as they look to push their way into the play-off positions. 

Gracia was initially appointed Watford boss in January 2018 on an 18-month deal following the dismissal of now Fulham manager Marco Silva. 

In his first stint at the helm, Gracia led Watford to their highest-ever Premier League finish of 11th and to their first FA Cup final in 35 years, which they lost 6-0 to Pep Guardiola's rampant Manchester City.