Promoted Port Vale are leading the chase for former MK Dons striker Matt Dennis, sources have revealed to the Real EFL.
The 23-year-old is on the radar of multiple League Two clubs after netting six times during a short stint in Cumbria, but Port Vale are believed to be leading the chase.
Ex-Dons Forward Dennis in Demand After Carlisle Revival
Dennis may have struggled to make an impact at Stadium MK, but the striker has bounced back strongly and is now wanted by several clubs. Released by MK Dons on deadline day in February following just two senior appearances this season, Dennis quickly linked up with Carlisle, and wasted no time making his presence felt.
He scored six goals in the closing stretch of the campaign, including one against his former club in a 2-2 draw in March. While his efforts weren’t enough to prevent Carlisle’s relegation from the Football League, they did earn him a contract offer to stay on at Brunton Park in the National League.
According to Football League World, that hasn’t stopped a trio of EFL clubs from making their interest known. Notts County, who narrowly missed out on promotion, are one of the sides to have tabled an offer. Port Vale, newly promoted to League One, have also registered interest, as have Walsall, who had Dennis’ former MK Dons teammate Ellis Harrison on loan last season.
However, we’ve now been told Dennis prefers a move to Port Vale, who will be competing at the higher level next season.
Norwich Academy Product
Dennis, a product of the Norwich City academy, had a loan spell at Rochdale earlier in the campaign, scoring once in 10 appearances. But it was at Carlisle where he truly found form, offering glimpses of the potential that led to his original move to Milton Keynes in 2022.
His exit from MK Dons came during a period of significant change for the club, with Paul Warne now overseeing a summer rebuild. As the Dons look to refocus their squad following a failed promotion bid, Dennis’ resurgence elsewhere may cause a few at Stadium MK to reflect on what could have been.
Writer’s View
Matt Dennis never quite got going at MK Dons, but his late-season form at Carlisle proves there’s a striker of real value waiting to be unlocked. He showed confidence, finishing ability, and an eye for goal in a team that was struggling—attributes that will appeal to any club looking for a proven threat in League Two.
MK Dons’ decision to let him go looked logical at the time, but the striker’s revival elsewhere will raise the question of whether the right environment or tactical fit was ever there for him in Milton Keynes. If he continues this form into next season—wherever that may be—it could be another example of a young talent slipping through the net during a turbulent era at Stadium MK.
