AVB happy for Dawson to stay

Michael Dawson: May be set to stay at Tottenham after all

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas insists he is unconcerned if Michael Dawson's move to QPR does not go ahead.

QPR agreed a fee with Spurs for the England defender believed to be in excess of £9million, but the deal has hit a snag.

That leaves Dawson facing the prospect of staying put as Tottenham's fifth-choice centre-back behind Younes Kaboul, William Gallas, Steven Caulker and summer signing Jan Vertonghen.

But far from forcing Dawson out the door, Villas-Boas claims he would welcome the 28-year-old's presence at the club if a transfer cannot be agreed.

"I had an open chat with Michael, I explained we have five central defenders here," Villas-Boas told a press conference.

"But he's a great professional and if he is still here at the end of the transfer window it will be a privilege for me.

Appreciated

"His human qualities are highly appreciated by us and the football club.

"His skills as a footballer are second to none so we appreciate them as well.

"If we end up with a scenario with five central defenders there is more competition and there might be less opportunities.

"That's why we are willing to consider different options and we have allowed the player to speak to QPR."

Dawson is still the club captain at Tottenham but has struggled with injuries in recent times and has fallen down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, making just 13 appearances last season.

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