West Bromwich Albion have reportedly turned down a £1 million bid from Burnley for centre back Craig Dawson, reports the Birmingham Mail.
Manager Alan Irvine has issued a hands off warning to the Clarets, who gained promotion in late April, are lookibg to strengthen their defence in time for their Premier League return.
Sean Dyche has had another bid rejected, having previously seen a bid turned down last month.
But speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Irvine has ruled out any move for Dawson, saying that the former England Under 21 international is not for sale.
“My first signing after I came in was Joleon Lescott – that was so we could have four centre-backs that I feel comfortable with,” said Irvine.
“And right now we have four centre-backs I am comfortable with. I’m not wanting to lose any of those centre-backs. Craig is on the way up. He’s played for England under-21s, he’s 24-years-old and he’s not a player we want to lose.”
Irvine continued: “I think he will stay with us. He’s going with us to the States and it’ll take a very good bid for anyone to make the club accept it.
“He is an important player for us and if we were to lose Craig we would need to replace him because we would need another up-and-coming centre-half who has played in the Premier League and I’m not sure where you find those.”
Dawson made 12 appearances for West Brom last season, having spent the second half of the previous 2012/13 season on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
