Notts County could lose star forward Matthew Dennis in the summer as interest from elsewhere has emerged for the 23-year-old.
After revitalising his career with a brief spell at Carlisle United, the Magpies signed the former MK Dons man on a free transfer and has since gone on to be a crucial fixture in their lineup as they push for promotion into League One.
Top Scorer Headhunted
According to Alan Nixon via his Patreon channel, two European sides in Cercle Brugge and Legia Warsaw are showing interest in Dennis, who has been touted for a move away from Meadow Lane since his resurgence this season.
County chiefs admitted prior to the January window that both him and striking partner Alasanna Jatta could be offloaded by the club in order to raise funds; however, neither found themselves out of the door by the time the window shut in February.
Together, the pair have been the key factor behind Martin Paterson’s push for a place in League One, with Dennis scoring 14 goals and the Gambian international on 12 in the fourth tier this campaign.
Belgian top-flight clubs have shown interest in League Two forwards before, with one of the County number 19’s ex-teammates at Milton Keynes Dons, Max Dean, being poached by Gent in the summer of 2024.
Dennis was absent from the Magpies’ side that beat Cheltenham Town 5-2 at the weekend as well as their midweek triumph over Accrington Stanley, with the pair of wins pulling them to within two points of third-placed Cambridge United.
Can County See Off Interest?
Considering their prospects of playing in League One for the first time since 2015, it would be a shame for Notts County to lose either one of the striking duo which put them to within touching distance of promotion in the summer.
Both Alasanna Jatta and Matthew Dennis have been brilliant for the Magpies, and together have been a big reason as to why they are one of the best attacking units in the fourth tier, and only behind MK Dons for goals scored.
However, the pull of top-flight football elsewhere may be too tempting for Dennis, and either Cercle Brugge or Legia Warsaw could offer a significant fee which will prove pivotal to County’s decision.
Legia’s status as the best team in Poland is under serious danger of collapsing as they battle against relegation from the Ekstraklasa, but their history and chances of playing in continental competitions could prove enticing if they are able to rebound.
Cercle Brugge face a similar situation over in Belgium, with Groen en Zwart extremely likely to be in the relegation playoffs unless they can beat Anderlecht and hope other results go in their favour on the final day of the Pro League’s regular season.
With both potential destinations at risk of dropping out of their top flights, then perhaps sticking with Notts County and trying to continue their positive momentum could be the best course of action for Matt Dennis’ career.
