Uwe Rosler brought the New York Red Bulls defender to the DW Stadium on a free transfer yesterday but is still understood to be in the market to recruit another defender.
The Latics boss is preparing to send back Everton youngster Tyias Browning, which would free up space in his squad for another loanee when the emergency window reopens in just over a week’s time.
And that news will come as a blow to many Wanderers fans who were desperate to see Dougie Freedman get the funds to make his own effort to tempt the 23-year-old, pictured, for a second spell at the club. Wigan failed with a deadline day bid for Dawson because they failed to clear the relevant paperwork in time for the 11pm deadline – and the situation was further complicated by the fact Rosler can only play five loan players in his matchday squad, as per Football League rules introduced this season.
He already counts Martyn Waghorn, Nick Powell, Nicky Maynard and Josh McEachran as first-team regulars and would need to end Browning’s loan to bring in another centre-half.
Hopes that Wanderers would join the race to bring the former England Under-21 defender back to the Reebok are fading fast, however, with no indication at present that Freedman will get the funds to recruit without first allowing players to leave.
Dawson is known to be keen on a move back to Bolton but after failing to get regular football at West Brom, he is now simply looking to revive his career with a spell in the Championship.
Freedman’s need also appears to be more acute in the full-back positions at present.
And David Wheater’s return to full fitness also gives him another option at centre-half for this weekend’s home game against Bournemouth.