Wolverhampton Wanderers narrowly missed out on signing Craig Dawson during the summer but it seems as if the Old Gold could return for the West Ham United man in next month's transfer window.

It was reported on deadline day in September that Wolves had agreed a deal to sign the experienced centre-back but it fell through at the last minute when Jan Bednarek joined Aston Villa rather than West Ham, leaving David Moyes short of cover in defence at the London Stadium.

With Bruno Lage having already lost the likes of Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly over the summer, a lack of centre-back options was perhaps always likely to cost the Midlands club, so it is no surprise that Julen Lopetegui is keen to strengthen in that position in the new year.

According to The Athletic's Wolves correspondent Steve Madeley, a deal could still be done for the 32-year-old in next month's window, despite him featuring on a regular basis for the Hammers so far this campaign.

Considering the east London outfit are undoubtedly in a relegation fight this season, as they find themselves just one point ahead of Wolves after a loss against Arsenal on Boxing Day, it would be something of a surprise if Moyes was willing to strengthen a rival by allowing Dawson to join Wolves.

However, there is little doubt that the former Rochdale man would offer experience and quality at the back for Wolves, as the current centre-back duo of Nathan Collins and Max Kilman arguably lacks the necessary know-how for a relegation battle.

Dawson has featured 84 times for the Hammers, contributing nine goals and two assists, so could also add a huge threat from set-pieces should he make the move to Molineux.

Last season saw the Englishman named alongside Declan Rice in the Europa League team of the tournament, which emphasises the quality he would add to Lopetegui's squad for the rest of the season.

Although the Spaniard earned a win in his first game as manager against Everton on Boxing Day, the goal conceded came from shocking set-piece defending, and Dawon's aerial prowess could help improve the Old Gold drastically from both attacking and defending corners and free-kicks.

Michail Antonio was full of praise for the centre-back last season, saying:

“He’s been unbelievable, he’s been a rock at the back, he’s like an old-school centre-half. He’s tough, he fights, he’s solid, he’s not scared to get down and deep, he’s been quality and he’s been solid for us. He came in not really to play, he’s taken his opportunity he’s taken his shirt and he’s not giving it up.”

This attitude and ability is exactly what Lopetegui needs in a relegation battle so if a move for Dawson can be done next month, then Wolves should be desperately trying to bring in the defender from West Ham.