Craig Dawson told he can leave Watford amid West Ham interest – reports
West Ham target Craig Dawson has been told he can leave Vicarage Road, amid transfer interest from the Hammers, according to a report.
HertsLive have reported that the Watford defender has been deemed surplus to requirements by Watford manager Vladimir Ivic.
This follows reports that West Ham are in talks to sign Dawson. A move would still be possible for the Englishman, as Premier League clubs can still sign players from the EFL until October 16.
Dawson is yet to make a Championship appearance for the Hornets this season, with his only outing this term being in his side’s 3-1 loss to Newport in the Carabao Cup.
But Dawson has been included in some of Watford’s matchday squads this season. But last weekend he was replaced by new signing William Troost-Ekong, suggesting he no longer has a future at Vicarage Road.
The 30-year-old defender made 29 Premier League appearances for the Hornets last season, but he could not help Watford avoid relegation. This was his second relegation in two seasons after he was unable to help West Brom avoid the drop in the 2018/19 season.
While Dawson isn’t a signing that will get Hammers fans tongues wagging, he will add valuable experience to a backline that has looked shaky at times this season. Of course, defensively West Ham have improved in their last two league games, keeping clean sheets against Leicester and Wolves, both of which have very good attacks.
Should Dawson arrive at the London Stadium, you wouldn’t expect him to start week-in-week-out, but he could provide vital cover in this year’s congested season if one of Moyes’ starting central defenders gets injured.
But it does suggest that the Hammers are somewhat scraping the barrel if they are resorting to bringing in a player like Dawson, who must’ve thought his Premier League days were behind him.
In other West Ham news, Harry Redknapp raves about ‘frightening’ West Ham star.