West Ham United are continuing behind-the-scenes talks with centre-back Craig Dawson, with the Hammers looking to secure the 32-year-old’s services for a further while.
What’s the word?
That is according to Paul Brown, who has informed GIVEMESPORT of the Irons’ admiration for one of David Moyes’ most experienced and “well-respected” players in the squad.
Following reports last month that West Ham were looking to tempt Dawson into signing a one-year contract extension at the London Stadium, the journalist believes that talks will be ongoing at the east London club, saying: “That is going on behind the scenes. I think Dawson knows he’s well-respected and well-liked at West Ham. They don’t particularly want him to go.”
Worth keeping around
Keeping hold of an asset as established as Dawson could prove to be a big deal for the West Ham backline.
Since making the move from Watford in 2020 via an initial loan spell, the Englishman has been a core part of Moyes’ side and featured 34 times in the Premier League last season.
His identity as a senior player in the squad has seen him trusted hugely by the Irons manager, with the club’s number 15 used a further 10 times in the Hammers’ run to the Europa League semi-finals in 2021/22.
His presence at the London Stadium has been significant for a West Ham side which finished in the top seven in the last two Premier League campaigns, with his consistency of selection and goalscoring exploits being much-appreciated assets and key factors in achieving these high finishes.
Keeping the 32-year-old around over the next couple of seasons seems like an astute move for the Hammers’ hierarchy to consider, with his experience of almost 450 career appearances nicely complimenting the younger heads in the squad.
