Craig Dawson fate sealed, as rival move sees David Moyes pull last-minute West Ham plug

Craig Dawson will reportedly stay at West Ham until at least January after Aston Villa beat them to his replacement, Southampton’s Jan Bednarek.

The Hammers have been busy sorting out their defence this summer, arranging multiple deals. Two centre-backs have arrived, as well as a reinforcement at left-back.

But after Nayef Aguerd, Thilo Kehrer and Emerson Royal, West Ham are eyeing more transfer additions.

And they had hoped to do more business at centre-back, with 32-year-old Dawson’s exit in the offing. Given he has little re-sale value ahead of his contract’s expiry next summer, they wanted to swap him.

However, the Daily Mail reports that the move is now off and Dawson will be staying at the London Stadium.

That is because the move hinged on Jan Bednarek’s arrival from Southampton. Although, Aston Villa have won the race for the Poland international.

Dawson looked to be on the move too following the agreement of a £5million deal with Wolves.

But the Daily Mail has now decided adds that West Ham boss David Moyes to keep the former Watford man on his books.

Dawson has impressed for the Hammers since signing from the Hornets, playing 74 matches. That tally includes 50 last season as the London club got all the way to the Europa League final.

But despite Aguerd’s injury shortly after signing, Dawson has yet to play for West Ham this season as he is injured too.

In the pair’s absence, Kehrer, Kurt Zouma and Aaron Cresswell have all played at centre-back – the latter as part of a back three.

Craig Dawson has future decision to make

Dawson is the type of player to be happy to wait for his chance and support others in the team.

With West Ham in the Europa Conference League this year, chances will surely come for him to make his mark.

The disappointment of missing out on more game time at Wolves will of course be present. But, with the World Cup fast approaching, the packed schedule means Dawson will get minutes.

Moyes has clearly counted on Dawson in recent times – to good effect too.

He should therefore have no problems hanging fire until January to maybe think about leaving again. Although, should West Ham impress until then, he may change his mind.