ASTON VILLA are swooping for experienced West Ham centre-half Craig Dawson to solve their defensive worries.
Boss Steven Gerrard is trying to tie up a deal for the seasoned star, who is willing to quit the Hammers for more game-time.
Gerrard will also give a two-year deal to Dawson, 32, who has been a valuable member of the West Ham squad since his move from Watford.
He is close to returning to the side from injury.
But Hammers are reluctant to sell him at this stage.
Gerrard was put in a hole after losing new-boy Diego Carlos for the season and Dawson can fill that gap.
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Axed skipper Tyrone Mings is back in the side but Kortney Hause has been loaned out, leaving Villa short at the back.
Dawson only has a year left at West Ham and knows he may end up stuck on the bench unless there are injuries.
David Moyes has made seven additions to his first team squad this summer, including two central defenders.
The Hammers brought in Nayef Aguerd from Rennes, only for the 26-year-old to suffer an injury in pre-season.
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Moyes then responded by bringing in German international Thilo Kehrer from Paris Saint-Germain.
West Ham and Villa have both endured underwhelming starts to the season.
The two sides play each other on Sunday, with Villa in 15th and West Ham rock bottom.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
