By Kevin Phillips

22nd May, 2022 | 8:00am

West Ham told to complete Emmanuel Dennis signing amid '£40m' claim - pundit

Kevin Phillips has claimed Emmanuel Dennis could score “15 to 20 goals a season” for West Ham if they can seal a move this summer.

The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Watford 24-year-old could double in value “all of a sudden” after landing in a “more creative, better side”.

According to the Daily Mirror (17 May), West Ham are plotting a £20million summer move for Dennis after his impressive maiden season in the Premier League.

The report claims Newcastle are also interested.

Nigeria international Dennis has notched 10 goals and six assists in 33 top-flight games this term.

The former Club Brugge man is contracted until June 2026 having only arrived in England last summer (2021).

Phillips insisted a move for the hitman is “a gamble worth taking” for West Ham.

“West Ham are in desperate need of a striker this summer,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“They can’t rely on Michail Antonio all season again.

“A striker is a real priority, certainly. He could be one of these shrewd signings who can end up getting you 15-20 goals a season.

“He’s going to be playing in a more creative, better side if he goes to West Ham. All of a sudden, he goes from a £20million player to a £40million player.

“I think it’s a gamble worth taking. He’s shown he can score a variety of goals at this level.”

West Ham are currently seventh – a finish which would be enough to secure Europa Conference League football next term.

Antonio, who has netted 12 goals this term, is currently the Irons’ only striking option.

In other news, pundit tips Jarrod Bowen to sign bumper deal amid new Liverpool claim.