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Report: Everton ready to launch summer raid for Craig Dawson

Craig Dawson of West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, ...
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Everton are reportedly keen on West Brom’s Craig Dawson, alongside Burnley and Crystal Palace.

West Bromwich Albion's English defender Craig Dawson controls the ball during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns...

According to The Sun, Everton are one of the clubs interested in snapping up West Bromwich Albion defender Craig Dawson should the Baggies suffer relegation to the Championship.

West Brom lost 1-0 at Watford on Saturday afternoon, meaning Alan Pardew’s men sit eight points adrift of Premier League safety, with relegation to the Championship looking inevitable.

The Baggies will risk losing a host of players if they do suffer relegation, and defender Dawson appears to be attracting interest having impressed as a goalscoring defender, hitting 12 goals in 144 games for West Brom.

Craig Dawson of West Bromwich Albion controls the ball during the The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round between West Bromwich Albion v Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 17, 2018 in West...

Burnley and Everton are reportedly keen on handing the Rochdale-born defender a return to the north, whilst Crystal Palace are also interested given that Dawson’s former West Brom boss Roy Hodgson is in charge at Selhurst Park.

Versatility key for Everton

Dawson, 27, has been a versatile, reliable defender for West Brom since his arrival in 2010, and his versatility to play at right back and centre back has been vital.

Craig Dawson of West Bromwich Albion  during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England.

That could be important for Everton too, given that another centre back may be needed to replace the ageing Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams, whilst also offering further cover for Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny at right back.

Dawson may not excite fans, but he is a tried and tested Premier League performer, and can offer depth to the Everton back line, which has been found wanting on many occasions this season.

With competition for his signature, Everton may have to move quickly to land Dawson, and questions over the future of manager Sam Allardyce may just set them back if they do wish to secure Dawson’s signature this summer.

Craig Dawson of West Bromwich Albion takes a shot past Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool in the build up to an own goal scored by Joel Matip of Liverpool during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round...