West Ham United could be set to wave goodbye to Craig Dawson once the upcoming January transfer window opens for business. 

The Lowdown: Changes to the squad

The previous summer transfer window saw the east London club make some changes to the defensive area of their squad by seeing Issa Diop make a move to Fulham as well as bringing in the likes of Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd.

Looking ahead to the upcoming January window, it appears that the Hammers could let Dawson follow in the footsteps of Diop and make a move away from the London Stadium.

The Latest: Bye-bye Dawson?

According to a recent report from Football Insider, the centre-back is looking to leave West Ham in January to be nearer his family in Cheshire after a seeing a late transfer move to Wolves collapse during the summer window.

The report also adds that with the £45k-per-week defender's current contract set to expire at the end of the season, David Moyes could allow Dawson to depart in January rather than see him potentially leave as a free agent in the summer.

The Verdict: Time to go

Bearing in mind how the 32-year-old has only been involved in three Premier League matchday squads this season with just two appearances, a move away from West Ham would indeed be the best option for him.

Even though the Hammers managed to win both of the games that the Englishman played in against Wolves and Fulham, it may be the best move for them financially if they can sell him in January for a fee rather than risk seeing him leave as a free agent in the summer.

Despite previously being lauded as a "special" player by Carlton Cole, January could be the ideal time for West Ham to not only move Dawson out of the club but also potentially bring in a suitable replacement as well.