UNBELIEVABLE NEWS;Craig Dawson’s return to West Ham

Craig “Balon D’awson” as he was known following his hugely successful stint at London Stadium, is in negotiations to have his Wolves contract cancelled and to become a ‘free agent’ this winter. The Hammers were reported to be considering a last minute ‘free’ signing to bolster the back line.

According to The Leicester Mercury, talks between the player and Wolves are ongoing over the cancellation of Dawson’s contract after he was left out of Vitor Pereira’s 25-man squad.

Leicester City and West Ham were both reputed to be interested in signing the defensive stalwart as cover for the remainder of the season.

However, in a sad turn of affairs, the player will be left without an opportunity to play for either: West Ham fans will be denied the chance to see the great Hammers warhorse put his body on the line ‘one more time’ thanks to a little-known regulation.

Because Dawson was not a free agent when the window closed, he is unable to sign for Premier League clubs until the next window opens.

The only free agents West Ham or any other Premier League club are eligible to sign would be those who were out of contract prior to the end of the January transfer window. So no emotional reunion on the cards there. then. D’oh.

According to the mercury: Dawson would still be able to move to a country where the winter window remains open. There’s a few countries around Europe where that is the case, but it’s also true for the US. The window is open for MLS clubs until mid-April as they prepare for the 2025 season.

And West Ham would need to look elsewhere in the free transfer market place if Graham Potter decides he needs the fourth centre back option.