Birmingham City now battling Wrexham in race to sign released Premier League defender on free transfer
Wrexham are looking to snap up defensive additions to Phil Parkinson’s squad but Birmingham City may spoil those plans.
Wrexham signed Ryan Hardie last week, luring the striker away from Plymouth Argyle on a three-year deal.
Hardie cost Wrexham just £700,000 and arrives after back-to-back seasons of scoring double figures in the Championship.
The Scot provides a real boost in the final third, but Phil Parkinson is also eyeing up additions at the back.
Norwich City have snapped up Wrexham target Harry Darling, but there are other defenders in the mix.
Wrexham have eyed Ben Davies despite Tottenham Hotspur extending his deal, while Craig Dawson is also on the radar.
Birmingham City join Craig Dawson race
The Wrexham Insider understands that Wrexham are interested in Craig Dawson and have had contact over a potential deal.
Dawson is leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer this summer, with his contract expiring at the end of June.
The 35-year-old can now move on as a free agent, but Wrexham face competition for his signature.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports that Birmingham City are now chasing Dawson alongside Wrexham and Derby County.
Wrexham finished second behind the Blues in the League One table last season, and the two clubs are now vying for Dawson’s signature.
Christoph Klarer was brilliant in Birmingham’s promotion-winning campaign, and Phil Neumann is arriving from Hannover 96 this summer.
Ben Davies has returned to Rangers, though, and Dawson may be viewed as an experienced head who can compete with Klarer and Neumann.
Wrexham would likely view Dawson in a similar way, especially as Eoghan O’Connell and Dan Scarr both impressed in stretches of the League One campaign.
Location could be a factor for Craig Dawson
Dawson has much to think about.
Birmingham and Wrexham are both exciting projects with major North American influence at boardroom level.
The interest in both clubs is huge, and Dawson will, understandably, be interested to hear what both clubs have to say.
Location may be a factor here, with Dawson hailing from Rochdale and Wrexham offering a slightly closer move to his hometown.
Dawson left Rochdale for West Bromwich Albion in 2010 and, outside of loans to Rochdale and Bolton Wanderers, he has been far away from home ever since.
Heading to Wrexham may appeal in that regard, but Dawson has also spent so many years in the West Midlands.
Spells with West Brom and now Wolves mean Dawson could be tempted to stay in the West Midlands with Birmingham.
The veteran centre-back may have a tough decision on the horizon, with Birmingham ready to offer stern competition to Wrexham’s pursuit.
