Latics sights on boosting midfield options

STEPHEN DAWSON . . . the midfielder, who scored for Scunthorpe in the play-off semi-final loss to Millwall, boasts almost 500 league appearances

SCUNTHORPE captain Stephen Dawson has emerged as an ambitious target for Athletic.

The former Rochdale and Barnsley midfield general has been in excellent form for the Iron, helping the club reach the Sky Bet League One play-off semi-finals where he scored the second goal in a 3-2 second-leg defeat to Millwall.

Dawson (31) has reportedly turned down a contract extension at Glanford Park.

Athletic manager John Sheridan is targeting new midfield options as he bids to build a squad for next season that is capable of creating more chances from open play.

The leadership qualities of Dublin-born Dawson and his box-to-box drive would significantly improve the strength of the spine of Athletic's team.

He played 49 times for Graham Alexander's side this season and was a key figure as the club ended the campaign in third place.

SERVICES

Rival clubs will also be interested in acquiring the services of an experienced hand, who boasts 496 career appearances for Mansfield, Bury, Leyton Orient, Barnsley, Rochdale and Scunthorpe.

Sheridan is back from a week-long break and has already stated his preference for getting at least some of his summer transfer business done early.

"It means the player knows where they will be, so they can go away on holiday and look forward to coming in to Oldham, if that is the case," Sheridan said when discussing his plans.

"I don't get much time off and will be in and out of the club over the summer.

"I will concentrate on working on things to make us better. I have a couple of names in my head I would like to try and get. But there will be lots and lots of players available."

Another player who could emerge as an Athletic target is Chris Taylor.

The winger, who this season returned to his boyhood club to play an important role in the battle against relegation while on loan from Bolton, could be set to be allowed to leave the Macron Stadium following their promotion to the Championship.

Wanderers have already told six players they can leave - including former Athletic loan striker Conor Wilkinson - with further talks expected over the futures of fringe players.

Taylor still has a year left on his Bolton deal but found first-team opportunities in League One in short supply.

If available, Taylor's adaptability in offering an option as a left wing-back could mean Sheridan seeing the 30-year-old as a useful option.