Albion snap up Craig Dawson

Albion were today finalising the £600,000 signing of young Rochdale defender Craig Dawson after wrapping up the capture of Austria international Paul Scharner.

The Baggies confirmed the free-transfer arrival of Scharner last night in an eye-catching move that was expected to complete their summer transfer business.

But 20-year-old Dawson was on the brink of a switch to The Hawthorns this afternoon, although he will be loaned back immediately to League One Dale.

Baggies scout Bobby Hope watched Dawson in action for Dale in their Carling Cup defeat at Birmingham last week, as the Baggies checked out the defender.

Dawson has become one of the hottest prospects in the lower leagues since joining Keith Hill's side from non-league Radcliffe Borough just over a year ago.

The 6ft 2in tall stopper has played 45 times for Dale, scoring 10 goals.

The Baggies were keeping tabs on the transfer market today as the clock ticked down to the 6pm deadline in case any long-term targets become available unexpectedly.

But the club were not actively pursuing any senior targets, having filled the final obvious vacancy in their squad with the signing of Scharner.

The versatile 30-year-old has been signed primarily to provide competition in central midfield positions.

He has joined the Baggies on a two-year deal, although reports from his homeland suggest he has agreed a 'get-out' clause allowing him to leave next summer to one of seven specified clubs.

Meanwhile, the Baggies were preparing for possible inquiries for their own players with Gianni Zuiverloon and Abdoulaye Meite potentially available for the right price.

Luke Moore is surplus to requirements but Albion have yet to receive an inquiry about the high-earning striker.

And forwards Chris Wood and Simon Cox are both targets for Championship clubs eying potential loan moves, but they are unlikely to be allowed out of The Hawthorns yet with Ishmael Miller and Roman Bednar injured.

The window re-opens for loans next week.