New QPR boss Redknapp targets Tottenham man Dawson
Published:He’s only just been confirmed as the new QPR boss but the rumours are already starting about Harry Redknapp’s January transfer targets.
With the Hoops ‘boasting’ the second worst defensive record in the Premier League (and that only by virtue of Southampton’s record-breakingly bad start), his first job must surely be to make his back line less leaky.
Step forward Michael Dawson.
According to the Mirror, Redknapp – who has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the club – has made the 29-year-old centre half a priority signing in January – and few would back against him bagging the England international.
Andre Villas-Boas tried to off-load the player to QPR in the summer, but Dawson was unwilling to leave White Hart Lane after seven years of distinguished service following his 2005 move from Nottingham Forest.
Dawson is a popular player with Spurs fans but has so far this season found his first team opportunities limited by the emergence of Steven Caulker who has impressed following his return from loan at Swansea City.
That inability to get in the starting XI (he’s made just eight appearances in all competitions this season) may be enough to tempt him across London – not to mention the hefty pay rise he may well be able to negotiate.
QPR are currently 4/7 for the drop but there is a feeling that if anyone is able to drag them out of their current predicament, it’s Redknapp.
He managed to keep West Ham United and Portsmouth in the Premier League under difficult circumstances but, while those achievements are undoubtedly impressive, his record is not without its flaws.
He took over Southampton in December 2004 but was unable to save them, with the Saints dropping out of the first tier for the first time since 1978.
The signing of Dawson would undoubtedly help Redknapp in what even he admits will be his biggest test on the pitch but, whether the former Spurs boss is also able to help unite a divided dressing room, is another matter altogether.
It promises to be an interesting couple of months…
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
