West Ham are open to keeping defender Craig Dawson, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Hammers were willing to let him go during the summer window before their failed move for Jan Bednarek, but it does not appear that he is surplus to requirements at the London Stadium.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What happened in the summer transfer window?

As per the Evening Standard, Dawson had hoped to join Wolves in order to move closer to his young family in Cheshire and a transfer was in the works.

However, it was dependent on West Ham being able to bring in another centre-back, with Bednarek being the target.

They were beaten to his signature by Aston Villa, though, and it was too late in the window for them to sign an alternative.

As a result, Dawson had to remain at the London Stadium to ensure that David Moyes has enough options in central defence.

What has Jones said about Dawson's West Ham future?

Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that West Ham are happy for Dawson to remain with them but are willing to let him consider his options again in January.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "This is a situation to be a bit careful about and they've got to manage Dawson respectfully. They're definitely open to keeping him at the club, but they're also willing to let him weigh up his own options when we get to the new year."

Will Dawson get his move in January?

It is more than possible. While he is not completely surplus to requirements at West Ham, he is not a key player either.

Dawson was left on the bench in the Hammers' 1-0 defeat to Everton just before the international break, with Moyes preferring a centre-half partnership of Kurt Zouma and Thilo Kehrer.

Nevertheless, for now, the £52,000-a-week star still has plenty to offer to this West Ham side when called upon.

Speaking about him recently, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie told West Ham Zone: "I think he’s got to get right in [against Wolves]. You can’t beat experience and I think he’s got to be put right back in.

"He’s a no-nonsense centre-half - that’s what we need. He doesn’t mess about; he doesn’t dribble out of the back; he just clears it. Clears it. Clears his lines, puts his tackles in, gets his body in front of the ball and that’s all you can ask for from a centre-half."

All in all, Dawson is still a useful player to have around at the London Stadium.