West Ham United finally sign a central defender this summer

West Ham United have finally landed a new centre-back with Craig Dawson joining them on a season-long loan from Watford.

The Hammers were eager to bolster their central defence earlier this summer, and they held a keen interest in Burnley's James Tarkowski.

However, they were unable to strike an agreement with the Clarets. Their final £30m offer fell short of the Clarets' £50m valuation.

The club thereafter attempted to sign Wesley Fofana from Saint-Etienne, but Leicester City beat them to the Frenchman's signature.

Hence, they ended the international transfer window without purchasing a new centre-back.

Still, it was anticipated that they could sign someone during the domestic-only window and they have now recruited Dawson on a temporary deal.

The 30-year-old has vast Premier League experience with 182 appearances and he could act as a stop-gap option for the season.

He has become the Hammers' second new addition to the squad this summer after the arrival of right-back Vladimir Coufal from Sparta Prague.