West Ham United defender Craig Dawson is now keen to return to the Midlands ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline, with Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers interested.
Craig Dawson eyes Midlands return as Aston Villa, Wolves target West Ham raid
According to Sky Sports, Craig Dawson is looking to leave West Ham United and return to the Midlands in the final days of the summer sales. The centre-back is hopeful of heading back to the region to be closer to his family, following his previous spell with West Brom.
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Dawson moved from the Midlands during 2019 when joining Watford in a £5.5m deal after nine years at The Hawthorns. Yet he only spent a year in Hertfordshire before moving over to east London with West Ham with an initial loan that would become permanent for £2m.
David Moyes has often retained Dawson as a regular presence in his London Stadium plans over the past two seasons. But the transfers of Nayef Aguerd and Thilo Kehrer this summer have put the 32-year-old’s presence into question, with zero appearances so far this term.
So, Dawson is now considering routes out of West Ham one year before his £42.5k-a-week contract is due to expire. Any transfer could cap his Hammers career at 74 games across all competitions, plus eight goals and two assists after giving a threat in the box at either end.
One route may be a transfer to West Midlands natives Wolverhampton Wanderers, as Sky Sports add Wolves have made West Ham an offer for Dawson. Another unnamed Premier League side is also thought to have presented the Irons with a bid for the Rochdale native.
Steven Gerrard may look to rival Bruno Lage for last-gasp defensive deal
Reports by The Sun have also credited Aston Villa with an interest in Dawson leaving West Ham before Thursday’s deadline. It is also noted that the centre-back is prepared to leave the London Stadium in search of game time after an unused start to the 2022/23 season.
Steven Gerrard is willing to give Dawson a two-year contract to move to his West Midlands outfit, as well. The Birmingham natives are chasing central defensive reinforcements in the wake of their £26m signing from Sevilla, Diego Carlos, suffering an Achilles tendon rupture.
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