Southampton target bid for Michael Dawson

Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson.

The 28-year-old has played just one Premier League game for Spurs so far this season, with Andre Villas-Boas preferring William Gallas and Steven Caulker in central defence.

Dawson came close to joining Queens Park Rangers and is free to leave White Hart Lane in January despite being made club captain last July, according to The Sun.

Nigel Adkins wants to sign Dawson in an effort to tighten up a leaky Saints defence, which has struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League.

Saints have conceded 24 goals in eight league games so far this season, leaving the promoted side languishing in the relegation zone.