West Ham’s attempts to bolster their defence have been dealt a set-back, with West Bromwich Albion rejecting a £12m bid from the Hammers for Craig Dawson according to reports.

The Hammers brought in Issa Diop for a club record fee last week from Toulouse but Manuel Pellegrini’s attempts to revamp the Irons’ defence are not over just yet, having reportedly made a bid for Dawson.

Dawson has established himself as a key component in the Baggies’ defence in recent seasons and made 32 appearances last campaign, but couldn’t prevent Darren Moore’s men from being relegated to the Championship.

The 28-year-old moved to the Hawthorns from Rochdale in August 2010 and the Hammers will have to increase their bid should they want to sign the defender, with West Brom reportedly valuing him at £20m.

However, West Ham could face competition for Dawson’s signature with Burnley and a host of Premier League clubs reportedly keen on the versatile defender.