Championship underachievers Nottingham Forest will allegedly try again to sign Hull City defender Michael Dawson this summer.
Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka has made no secret of the fact he wants Michael Dawson to make an emotional return to the City Ground this summer.
The 34-year-old centre-back left Forest when offered his big break at Tottenham Hotspur back in 2005 but was close to re-joining the Championship club in January, until his current side Hull City blocked a deal on transfer deadline day.
But Dawson’s contract expires in the summer and Karanka has already confirmed that he will make another attempt this summer to bring the former England international back home.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City, in which Forest conceded two set-piece goals, the Spanish manager has once again suggested the impact he expects Dawson to have on his side if he makes his expected return this summer.
“I think Michael (Dawson) and other players like him, who are experienced, are important figures to have in this league,” the former Middlesbrough manager told the club’s official website.
“For example Sol Bamba did not play in the first half for Cardiff but, when he came on at half-time, he had a presence on the pitch.”
Forest have improved somewhat defensively since the arch-pragmatist Karanka replaced Mark Warburton at the turn of the year. Danny Fox has impressed in a new centre-half role, while Sporting Lisbon loanee Tobias Figueiredo will join permanently for around £2 million.
But Dawson would add some reliability, steel and leadership; three attributes Forest need more of if they are to fight for the play-offs next season.
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