WANDERERS have won the race to sign West Brom defender Craig Dawson on loan.

The England Under-21 international is set to join the club before this weekend's FA Cup clash with Everton but will not be able to feature as he is cup tied from a previous round.

Dawson, who previously turned out for Radcliffe Borough, was also wanted by Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Leicester City.

It is expected that he will sign until the end of the season.

The centre-half will provide competition for Zat Knight, Tim Ream and Sam Ricketts, along with David Wheater who has recently returned to full-time training after a knee injury.

But West Brom have warned that the move is unlikely to turn into a permanent one, with Steve Clarke insistent that he has a future at the Hawthorns.

"Craig is a top prospect, a top talent," said the Baggies boss last week. "He has been really unfortunate that Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley have been outstanding. The back-up this year has been Gabi Tamas who also been outstanding and he’s found his chances very limited.
“I would like Craig to go out and get some games but it would be a temporary measure.
“He has a big big future here and in the game.”