Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that West Ham want to keep Craig Dawson at the club, but could allow the centre-back to exit the club in the January window – with his Hammers contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Dawson, 32, has spent the last two years at West Ham – clocking up 76 appearances and even scoring nine goals. He is well-liked among Hammers fans, even being nicknamed Ballon d’Orson. But his future remains in doubt at West Ham.
Wolves made an offer believed to be in the region of £5.25million on deadline day – but the Hammers wanted £7million. It has seen Dawson remain – but he finds himself as the club’s fourth, or even fifth-choice centre-back.
The signings of Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd have pushed Dawson down the rankings. Kurt Zouma is first choice, and Angelo Ogbonna is fit again. With his deal ending in 2023, a new one is unlikely. Jones thinks he could depart.
“It’s a tricky one but they might, yes [sell him in January]. I think West Ham would like him to stay, ideally, but they are going to be pretty respectful to what Dawson wants at this stage,” Jones told Give Me Sport when discussing Dawson.
West Ham want to keep Dawson but could allow exit
Dawson looks as if he will be one of a number of players that could depart for a small-ish fee in January. Largely because their contracts are due to expire at the end of the season. Premier League clubs will be circling for Dawson.
He has shown during his time at West Ham that he is getting better with age. He is effective in both boxes, and is more than adept at marshalling a defence. A leader at the back. So, a potential bargain for a number of top-flight sides.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
