Newcastle are eyeing a move for West Bromwich Albion defender Craig Dawson as Steve McClaren looks to reshape the club's defence ahead of the new season, sources have told ESPN FC.
Newcastle finished with the second worst defensive record in the Premier League last season as they narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign and doubts currently surround the futures of Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson.
Dawson, 25, made 35 appearances in all competitions and scored two goals for the Baggies, while West Brom rejected several bids from Burnley last summer in order to keep the centre-back.
McClaren is a big admirer of Dawson and tried to sign the former England under-21 international during his time in charge of Derby County, while his versatility -- having filled in at right-back on a number of occasions for Tony Pulis -- would be a major asset for Newcastle.
However, West Brom would be loath to lose Dawson with the player establishing himself as a key part of the club's defensive rearguard which was central in their battle to climb away from relegation trouble last season.