Premier League newboys Nottingham Forest are close to announcing their 13th signing of the summer after agreeing a deal with Watford for striker Emmanuel Dennis.

Forest in their first appearance in the topflight in many years, have been busy trying to strengthen across all board. Manager Steve Cooper has been keen to improve the Forest squad this summer after a number of players who played a key role in their promotion via the play-offs last season left the club.

Watford’s high price, which appeared overboard for most suitors earlier in the summer, has now been met after Forest saw their bid of around £20m accepted, according to The Athletic.

After Watford went down, it became clear striker Dennis, who impressed for the Hornets last term, would depart the club this summer. 

Club Brugge – Dennis’ former side will earn around £1m having inserted a five per cent sell-on fee into the initial £3m deal that saw him move to Watford last summer.

Dennis, a Nigeria international, scored 10 goals and recorded six assists for Watford last season and is set for his second season in the English topflght.

The 24-year-old joins Neco Williams, Jesse Lingard, Taiwo Awoniyi, Dean Henderson and Harry Toffolo, as well as a host of others, as having joined the Midlands club this summer. The signing would take Forest’s overall summer spending beyond £100m.

Dennis will hope to make his mark with the newboys alongside compatriot Awoniyi as the season progresses.

Difficult beginning for Awoniyi and co

Forest’s return to the Premier League got off to a difficult start last weekend when they were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle at St James’ Park. They were totally dominated by the Magpies as they struggled to create any meaningful chances during the course of the game.

Taiwo Awoniyi was subbed on in the second half and played the final 30 minutes of the game but he could not prevent his side from suffering a defeat on the opening weekend.

Awoniyi, who will be eyeing his first start with Cooper’s side, will host West Ham at the City Ground on Saturday for their first home Premier League fixture since 1999.