Express & Star

Craig Dawson likely to stay at West Brom

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Boss Alan Irvine claims West Brom are unlikely to sell players before Monday's transfer deadline - after hinting Craig Dawson has changed his mind over wanting to leave.

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Irvine believes both defender Dawson and midfielder Claudio Yacob will stay at the Hawthorns beyond the end of the transfer window, despite both looking destined to depart earlier this summer.

Centre-back Dawson submitted a transfer request and was the subject of three failed bids from Burnley while midfielder Yacob attracted enquiries from a host of European clubs including sides in France and Russia.

But Irvine, who is still targeting another winger for his squad before Monday, claimed both men are now likely to stay after Dawson started the first two Premier League games of the season.

Irvine said: "It's all quiet and Craig seems really happy. I don't think there's any way that move would happen and I don't think Craig would be interested now either.

"He's in the team and he's playing well and looking extremely settled and that's all he wanted, to feel he was in our team and given a good chance to secure a place here.

"At the moment he's in control of that position and if he keeps on playing well he will remain in control of it.

"There has been some speculation about Claudio but I'm not aware of any offers that have come in for him.

"He has taken a little longer to get fit than some of the others but he had an unusual summer with a new baby and had some sleepless nights. But we're not looking to move anyone out and I will be quite happy when the window closes if we can get this last player in."

Irvine wants a wide man to complete his summer rebuilding and is hoping to avoid a deadline-day scramble by landing one of his targets before Monday.

"We have a few plates spinning at this moment because if you pin all your hopes on one player and that goes wrong, where do you turn?" he said. "You've got to try to have other options available."