West Ham have been given a boost in their pursuit of West Brom centre-back Craig Dawson, according to the Express and Star.
The regional newspaper claim the Hammers are keen to land the 28-year-old and the player, in turn, is “agitating” for a move from the Hawthorns after their Premier League relegation.
The Express and Star report West Brom’s backline was left bare by the summer exits of Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley, but Kyle Bartley has been signed from Swansea City for £4million plus a potential £2million in add-ons.
Good move for West Ham?
West Ham should forget about signing Dawson and go big for Alfie Mawson of Swansea City instead. Why? He is a younger and superior defender. Sure, Dawson is a decent centre-back who can also play at right-back and has impressive top-level English football experience. But he is not the answer for the Hammers, even though the door is ajar for a move as he is seemingly keen to quit and is yet to feature in a pre-season match. His intentions are clear. But, Mawson is four years younger than Dawson and has come on in leaps and bounds in the last two seasons after joining from Barnsley. He is durable, utterly committed and reads the game very well. Moreover, the Swans ace has a touch of class about his game and could go to a new level under a manager like Manuel Pellegrini.
This Is Futbol rating 4/10
Likely to happen?
Given that West Ham have spent around £90million on new players this summer, including £23million on one centre-back in Issa Diop, they are unlikely to fork out £20million-plus for another defender. Which makes Mawson unlikely, and a push for Dawson, who is cheaper and would cost less than half the price, a less complicated deal.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10