Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement has confirmed that striker Emmanuel Dennis will be allowed to leave when the transfer window opens:

“It is very likely that Dennis will leave. He can also count on a lot of interest. It is the time for him to take a new step.”

The 22-year-old was the subject of a bid from Sheffield United last summer, and the Blades will have taken note of Clement’s comments. However, there are now a lot more obstacles in the way of manager Chris Wilder securing a deal for the Nigerian international.

Dennis’s asking price has skyrocketed to €25m (£22m), which in the current financial climate may mean he is out of United’s price range. The Yorkshire club already invested heavily in Racing Genk’s Sander Berge back in January and it would be a surprise if they committed to another substantial outlay.

On top of that, interest in Dennis has increased as the season has gone on with reports claiming that at least three other Premier League clubs are now monitoring the player.

Arsenal, Newcastle and Wolves are now all on the forward’s trail, which will clearly complicate the Blades’ efforts to sign him.