By Beck Pascal

18th Feb, 2022 | 7:10am

West Ham set to replace Craig Dawson in the summer - report

West Ham will be in the market to replace centre-back Craig Dawson this summer, according to Claret & Hugh. 

The Hammers are expected to move for two central defenders after failing to bring one in January following the injuries to Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna. 

Dawson (31) and Ogbonna (33), when fit, have been in fine form this season but are both approaching ages where long-term replacements need to be thought of. 

Think smart

Despite their ages, neither of them looks to be on the decline. Ogbonna was arguably West Ham’s best defender before his season-ending injury v Liverpool. 

When called upon Dawson has not disappointed either and has therefore picked up 31 appearances for the Irons already this season. 

When Dawson was signed all of the fans were taken back, to say the least. It seemed a bizarre move considering his age, but the signing couldn’t have worked out better. 

He looked to be a squad player who would hopefully never be called to action but who knows where West Ham would be this season without his experienced head covering at the back when so often called upon.

The duo have been brilliant but it would be very sensible for the club to consider the bigger picture rather than leave things as late as physically possible as they normally do in the transfer window. 

It would be smart to get a couple of understudies to come in as soon as possible to come in and adapt to life in east London and in Claret & Blue to ensure as smooth a transition as possible when the time comes.

In other Hammers news, Manchester City not interested in West Ham ace Declan Rice – report.