West Ham are hoping to make Craig Dawson’s loan deal permanent this summer, according to reports.
The centre-back joined on loan from Championship side Watford for the 2020/21 campaign.
He’s been a hit at the London Stadium, appearing in the Hammers’ last ten matches.
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According to Football Insider, West Ham officials are now exploring the possibility of signing him permanently.
The report states that they included an option to buy in his loan deal at the start of the season.
Dawson is keen to remain in the Premier League, which means Watford may cash-in on the defender.
They offered him to West Ham in January for £3million but the London side were unwilling to commit.
Since then he’s become an important first team player under manager David Moyes.
The 30-year-old scored in successive matches against Crystal Palace and Liverpool respectively.
He’s also helped West Ham to keep clean sheets against the likes of Everton and Southampton.
Dawson was originally signed to provide cover at centre-back for the campaign.
He made his way into the team towards the end of 2020. The injury to Angelo Ogbonna has furthered his first team claim.
Dawson appeared alongside promising Frenchman Issa Diop in the heart of defence against Spurs.
They helped to keep Harry Kane at bay for most of the match, although they lost their clean sheet to Lucas Moura.
Dawson can also operate as the anchoring central defender in a back three.
They played in that formation against Sheffield United earlier this month. It proved to be successful as the Hammers ran out 3-0 winners against the Blades.
The formation allows Vladimir Coufal and either Aaron Cresswell or Ryan Fredericks to attack down the wings.
Dawson’s importance to West Ham looks set to be rewarded with a permanent deal.
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