Moyes given decision to make, as two Premier League rivals eye potential casualty of West Ham spending

West Ham United centre-back Craig Dawson is attracting interest from two other Premier League clubs, according to reports.

There have been several new arrivals for West Ham during this summer’s transfer window. Defence is one of the areas they have invested in, with the signings of Nayef Aguerd and Thilo Kehrer at centre-back.

As a result, after the sale of Issa Diop, David Moyes now has five senior options available in the middle of defence. Along with Kehrer and the currently injured Aguerd, West Ham can call upon Kurt Zouma, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson.

Now, the latter is reportedly becoming the subject of interest from other Premier League sides ahead of the transfer deadline.

According to the Daily Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, Dawson is wanted by Wolves and Aston Villa for a move to the Midlands.

However, their chances of signing him will depend on whether or not Moyes is willing to give the green light to Dawson’s exit from West Ham.

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the London Stadium at the end of the season. It will be up to Moyes to decide whether he would have enough depth or not without Dawson.

How much West Ham would be able to receive by selling Dawson is unclear. He turned out to be something of a bargain for them when they bought him for a package worth around £3million last summer after a useful loan spell.

Dawson played in 34 Premier League matches last season after 22 the campaign before. In all competitions for West Ham, he has appeared 74 times, scoring eight goals.

Aston Villa, Wolves want centre-back

It remains to be seen whether he will be adding significantly to those tallies. Instead, he could be in line for a move back up to the Midlands, after his previous lengthy association with West Bromwich Albion.

Aston Villa are in need of another centre-back after one of their own summer signings, Diego Carlos, suffered a long-term injury.

Meanwhile, Wolves are preparing for the potential sale of Willy Boly to Nottingham Forest. Therefore, they may need a replacement at Molineux.

With more than 200 Premier League appearances behind him, Dawson has been identified by both as someone who could be useful. McGrath has said they are ‘among’ the teams interested, so there may yet be more suitors.

Craig Dawson good enough for either suitor – or West Ham stay

Dawson has done a good job in his two seasons with West Ham. When he joined from Watford, he seemed to be more of an emergency signing. But he has done well to cement his place since.

He is still clearly capable of performing in the Premier League. Whether he would be a regular starter in a fully fit West Ham backline, whenever that may be, is another matter.

By leaving them for Aston Villa or Wolves, he would be dropping down from European level. But he would be signing for a mid-table side with ambition either way.

Therefore, he would be a good signing for either club. The question is whether West Ham can afford to let him go. They need depth while competing on four fronts, and especially if Moyes wants to use a back three.

Dawson is a good player with plenty of pedigree. Therefore, he will be beneficial to whoever has him this season.

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