Tottenham in talks over new Dawson contract

The defender almost left White Hart Lane for QPR last summer but is now in discussions with Spurs over a new four-year deal that will keep him at the club until he is 33

EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart

Tottenham have opened talks over a new contract for club captain Michael Dawson, Goal.com understands.

The central defender was almost sold to QPR for €9.2 million last summer but could now commit his long-term future to the north London club.

Dawson is under contract until 2015 but wants a pay rise and the 29-year-old’s representatives have opened talks over a new four-year deal.

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The former Nottingham Forest man looked set to be frozen out by Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas at the start of the campaign but has forced his way back into the side, making 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

Dawson, who has been capped four times by England, turned down a move to QPR in August and vowed to fight for his place at Spurs after failing to agree personal terms on a switch to Loftus Road.

He earns around €46,000-a-week at Spurs and is seeking an increase to a €69,000 salary for the last major contract of his career as he plays a key role in Tottenham’s bid for a top-four finish.

“Spurs appreciate that Michael deserves to be recognised for his service to the club,” a source told Goal.com.

“He’s proved his commitment over the years and he’s a vital part of the first-team squad.”

A four-year deal would keep Dawson at White Hart Lane until the age of 33 after he joined the club from Nottingham Forest in a €4.6m deal in 2005.

Dawson has become a key figure in the heart of the defence during his time at Spurs and took over as club captain following Ledley King’s retirement last summer.

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