Aston Villa want to offer two-year deal to West Ham defender Craig Dawson

Aston Villa have reportedly emerged as shock suitors for West Ham defender Craig Dawson amid their current defensive crisis.

According to the Sun, Villa boss Steven Gerrard is willing to hand the 32-year-old a two-year deal to leave the London Stadium.

It is understood that the Englishman is open to leaving the club as he is keen on game time - something that is unlikely to be given to him given the Hammers' summer moves.

Surely not?

While Dawson is out injured as things stand, he is closing in on full fitness and is expected to feature for the first team in the coming weeks.

At 32, he may not be a guaranteed starter but David Moyes will not have forgotten what he offered to the Hammers last season.

West Ham had a major defensive crisis and it can be argued that since Angelo Ogbonna's injury, Dawson emerged as the best player for the club.

Moyes clearly will be counting on him this season not just for what he offers on the pitch but also for his dressing room influence.

Losing Dawson will be like losing a leader in the dressing room and he would not want to do that this late in the window.

However, if the defender himself informs the club of his intentions to leave then there's a good chance that Moyes does not stand in his way.