Journalist Jack Rosser believes that West Ham United need to upgrade on Craig Dawson in defence despite signing the centre-back on a permanent basis.

The defender became the Hammers’ first summer signing following his initial loan move from Watford.

The Hammers paid a total of £2m to bring the veteran into the club, per Transfermarkt, after he enjoyed an exceptional stay at the club last term.

Dawson made a total of 24 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals, helping the club to a sixth-placed finish as they achieved qualification for the group stages of the Europa League.

The Irons have still been linked with a number of central defenders this summer as David Moyes bids to improve his backline and Rosser is of the belief that they need to upgrade on the 31-year-old.

Indeed, the Hammers have been linked with potential moves for Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic.

He said: “Craig Dawson was a success last season but he’s not quite up to the standard they want to maintain the level they’re at so they are going to have to invest there.

"If they do that, it knocks Issa Diop down the pecking order, then they’d be silly not to look at any interest that comes in.”