Dawson Hammers deal now actively underway

By Hughie Southon

West Ham are set to sign Watford’s Craig Dawson early this week.

ClaretandHugh understands that the Will Salthouse owned player is on his way to the London Stadium as the expected fourth central defender.

And it will be a surprise – with no fee yet disclosed – whether the 30 year old will have cost the Irons much more than £2m-£3 million with the Hornets desperate to get players off the wage bill following relegation.

Dawson has long been in the frame for a move to the Hammers following the reported failed moves for a variety of apparently highly priced foreign options.

But most believed that the club would finally decide on the cheap Watford option  with personal terms currently to be finalised ahead of the player taking a medical during the course of the next few days.

Claretandhugh was told by sources close to the deal: “It’s not done but talks are continuing.”

Dawson will become the fifth West Ham player from the Salthouse stable which seems much favoured by David Sullivan, the others being Darren Randolph, Ryan Fredericks, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio..