Burnley are planning a possible move for West Bromwich Albion defender Craig Dawson. Clarets manager Sean Dyche is considering the player as a replacement for Michael Keane who is Everton bound.
Keane’s performance for the Clarets has garnered interest among a number of clubs and the Toffees are on the verge of sealing their third transfer of this summer. The Merseyside club are poised to complete a £25m move for the player in the upcoming days leaving Dyche a big gap to fill.
It seems Dawson has been the preferred choice for Dyche who has seen his previous three bids knocked back by the Baggies. But with Keane’s departure, Dyche has to dig deep into the transfer market for at least once and Dawson fits the bill perfectly.
Despite having a lacklustre season, Burnley’s defence has been the most intriguing things for the Clarets. Keane has built a solid partnership with Ben Mee in the centre of the Burnley backline that has leaked only 55 goals.
Dawson has one year remaining on his contract but the Baggies are confident that they will be able to keep the player at the Hawthorns although he is yet to be offered a contract extension. Dyche wants to utilise the opportunity to bring the player whom he has been chasing for the past few seasons.
Dawson had his ups and downs at the Hawthorns and only after Tony Pulis’ arrival he saw himself reinstated to the Baggies backline. But instead of putting him in his favourite position, Pulis deployed him in a much unorthodox right back position and the player excelled in the new challenge.
The 27-year-old isn’t the quickest of all but has lent solidity to the right side of the defence. Tony Pulis stated last month that they were in talks with the player as the club wants him to extend his stay.
Dyche would be very keen to complete the deal as soon as possible before the Clarets resume their pre-season training. Burnley had a topsy turvy season but defence remained a very strong point for Dyche’s side and the manager has been trying to maintain the shape intact by bringing Dawson to the Turf Moor Stadium.
Dawson has mostly played on the right side in the last campaign but Dyche thinks he might be able to lure the player by tempting him a place in his favourite centre back position.
