Wolves are clearly eager so as to add a centre-back on this month’s switch window, however Julen Lopetegui ought to prioritise a transfer for Craig Dawson over Felipe.
Following the summer season departures of Romain Saiss, Conor Coady and Willy Boly, the Outdated Gold have appeared fairly prone on the again to date this season, whereas their lack of depth was uncovered after Nathan Collins’ sending off within the defeat in opposition to Manchester City earlier within the season.
Bruno Lage had needed to signal Dawson final summer season however noticed the transfer collapse on deadline day after West Ham failed to herald Jan Bendarek from Southampton. Nonetheless, it appears as if a transfer could well be on the cards once more this month because the 32-year-old seeks a transfer north.
Atletico Madrid centre-back Felipe has additionally been touted as potential possibility for Lopetegui within the switch window, with recent reports claiming that the Wolves supervisor has even referred to as the Brazilian defender with the hope of convincing him to maneuver to the Black Nation.
Nonetheless, the 33-year-old has struggled for normal game-time below Diego Simeone this season, making simply three appearances in La Liga and averaging a disappointing 6.43 score from WhoScored for his performances.
In the meantime, Dawson has featured eight times within the Premier League and has an enormous quantity of expertise within the English high flight with the Hammers, West Brom and Watford (246 video games), so he wouldn’t want any time to adapt.
He has additionally averaged extra tackles (1.3 vs one), interceptions (0.8 vs none) and clearances (3.3 vs 2.3) per recreation than Felipe, which means that the Englishman could be the higher possibility for Lopetegui.
After missing the first few weeks of the season by way of injury, the previous England U21 worldwide made his first begin within the Europa Convention League in opposition to Silkeborg, with Moyes praising him after that recreation.
The Irons supervisor said: “I believe he’s nonetheless most likely a bit behind fitness-wise however he’s an previous warrior, Daws. He is aware of methods to get by way of the video games, he is aware of the roles. As you’ll be able to see, we’ve been struggling to attain from a nook kick at instances and immediately, Daws is available in and finds the spot and will get it immediately. He’s invaluable for these types of actions and people moments.”
Whereas Dawson may price as a lot as £7m this month, Wolves wouldn’t solely be boosting their very own survival hopes in signing the centre-back, but in addition probably damaging West Ham’s in what could be a double boon for the Midlanders.
Final weekend’s 1-0 win at Molineux noticed the Outdated Gold leapfrog the Hammers within the Premier League desk, and it appears clear that the 18th-placed east Londoners are embroiled in a relegation battle this season, so shedding a reliable and skilled centre-back may show to be a blow to Moyes.
Due to this fact, Lopetegui ought to do all that he can to deliver Dawson, fairly than Felipe, to Molineux this month, as doing so wouldn’t solely strengthen the Wolves pack but in addition weaken a direct positional rival.