West Ham United are 'preparing to allow' the exit of defender Craig Dawson in the January transfer window, according to a club insider.

The Lowdown: West Ham make transfer plans...

The Hammers spent £158m over the summer transfer window in what was a record-breaking few months for the London Stadium outfit.

Alphonse Areola (loan made permanent), Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson Palmieri and club-record signing Lucas Paqueta put pen to paper on moves to West Ham, but reports have suggested that there may also be some activity mid-season.

West Ham are thinking of a move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Tete, for instance. However, in order to balance the books after some heavy spending of late, some Irons players may be on their way out.

Reports have suggested that Dawson, who is apparently eager to move further north for family reasons, could leave in the winter.

The Latest: Insider shares Dawson exit update...

Irons supporters have now been handed an update on the 32-year-old's situation, with his contract set to expire in in 2023 as things stand.

It is believed that Dawson is still very much eyeing a move away from east London for personal reasons, and the club and GSBK (David Gold, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and Daniel Kretinsky) have seemingly made a decision.

Claret & Hugh claim that West Ham are 'preparing to allow' the Englishman his move north in January. This comes as the club continue to attempt a new contract agreement, but it appears 'unlikely' to happen and manager David Moyes may have to brace himself over the departure of a key player.

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The Verdict: Potential blow...

If West Ham are to green-light Dawson's exit mid-season, it would come as a blow to Moyes.

Dawson has been phenomenal since his move to the London Stadium in 2020, playing 50 matches in all competitions last season alone whilst becoming an indispensable member of the team (Transfermarkt).

No West Ham player made more blocks per 90 than the centre-back last term, while only Kurt Zouma averaged a higher rate of clearances, exemplifying Dawson's importance defensively (WhoScored).

Dubbed 'sensational' by members of the media, it is clear that losing the 32-year-old would not be good news for the Hammers, although the player's reasons for wanting a change of scenery are easy to understand.