Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath claims Wolves are battling Aston Villa in the race to sign West Ham defender Craig Dawson before Thursday’s deadline – despite the centre-back’s importance to the Hammers during the 21-22 season.
Dawson, 32, played 50 times in all competitions for West Ham last term. He was crucial in a side that managed to qualify for Europe again, and reach the Europa League semi-finals. Dawson scored four goals, and kept 16 clean sheets.
However, Dawson’s future is in doubt. He is in the final year of his contract and potentially because of that, the Hammers are yet to offer him a new deal. Earlier this summer, there were said to be ‘doubts’ over his West Ham future.
Now, those doubts are bubbling at the surface. Over the weekend, Aston Villa were linked with a move – as they look to replace Diego Carlos after his ankle injury. Now, Villa’s local rivals Wolves are said to be keen, as per McGrath.
Wolves battling Villa to sign ‘underrated’ West Ham defender Dawson
West Ham have spent the best part of £200million this summer on nine new players. But in terms of value for money, Dawson has to be one of the best under David Moyes. The Hammers paid a mere £2million to sign him permanently.
Branded “massively underrated” by former teammate Liam Ridgewell, Dawson has been a revelation. Proving age is just a number, he continues to grow as he gets older. He is yet to play this season due to a niggling muscle issue.
But given his contract situation, and that West Ham have signed Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd, he could be told he is leaving. Indeed, it would be a for a cut-price fee, given West Ham’s initial outlay. And the fact he is now 32 years old.
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