Big Dawson decision as deal falls apart

By Dave Langton

West Ham and Craig Dawson need to make a decision over his future in the coming hours after a deal to sign Jan Bednarek from Southampton collapsed.

The Hammers had been exploring a potential deal to sign the defender from Saints on loan prior to the deadline.

But sources at the club have now told C&H that any deal to sign Bednarek now looks extremely unlikely.

BBC Sport has reported that the Poland international instead appears to be heading to Aston Villa on loan.

It leaves Dawson in limbo at this point.

Wolves and Villa have both expressed an interest in signing the centre-back and there remains a possibility that he could move to Molineux, with the club engaging the Hammers in talks over the past few days.

However, David Moyes may look to veto that deal after the Bednarek deal fell apart.

The Irons have consistently taken the stance that they will not allow Dawson to leave unless a replacement can be sourced, and time is running out.