Celtic eye making a move for Dennis on a Bosman transfer following his release by Forest

FORMER Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Dennis could be joining compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho at Scottish champions Celtic soon as the club has made enquiries about him as part of their drive to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season.

Iheanacho, 28, who was a free agent after being released by his Spanish club Sevilla put pen to paper to a one-year deal with Celtic this week, with the option to extend it by another season. This will see Iheanacho team up with coach Brendan Rodgers who managed him when he played in the English Premier League for Leicester City.

Celtic are the current Scottish champions but needed Iheanacho to reinforce their attack following the sale of centre-forwards Kyogo Furuhashi in January and Adam Idah on Monday this week. With the club's fans unhappy about the limited attacking options available to Mr Rodgers, the club has now enquired about Dennis, who is available on a free transfer having been recently released by English Premier league side Nottingham Forest.

Dennis, 27, joined Nottingham Forest from Watford in 2022 after an impressive 2021/22 campaign that saw him score 10 goals and provide six assists in the Premier League. Unfortunately, however, upon his move to the City Ground, Dennis did not get a lot of game time, as he featured in only 19 games in his first season for Forest.

Since then, it has been downhill for him and due to his lack of game time, he went on loan to Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir but he did not cut it there and had to return to Watford on loan. Last season, Dennis had another loan spell at Champions club Blackburn but his performances did not inspire much confidence, so they did not sign him permanently.

At the end of last season, Dennis returned to Nottingham Forest but he has not been involved with any games this season or even been in any matchday squad. With no bids having come in for him either, Nottingham Forest met with the players' representatives and they agreed to part ways by mutual consent.

According to sports journalist Stephen McGowan of The Herald, Celtic have also shortlisted Dennis, as he is now available on a Bosman. Apparently, Celtic are also weighing up a move for former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford but the Englishman’s age and previous injury record could see them shift their focus to Dennis to challenge and cover for his fellow countryman up top.