Middlesbrough remain very much in the hunt for Dale's Craig Dawson despite having had a bid rejected last month according to newspaper reports over the weekend.

Media reports from the North East over the weekend have suggested that Gordon Strachan's side remain very much in the market for Craig Dawson, and in light of last week's reported transfer request by Dawson, they seem reluctant to increase the size of their bid.

The Evening Gazette has stated that Boro's bid for Dawson, which they claim to be in the region of £450,000, remains on the table for the League Two Player of the Year, suggesting that they aren't looking at getting into a bidding war for his services.

Unfortunately for the North East side, they face stiff competition for Dawson's services, which many a side from both the Premiership and Championship keeping a very close eye on proceedings, with Fulham reportedly the keenest of young Craig's suitors.

It's fast appearing that this is a transfer battle that will set to run and run over the Summer, and whilst Dawson may well find himself starting the season with Dale, whether he remains  with Dale beyond the end of the transfer window is a different matter altogether as Dale remain steadfast in ensuring that they receive something approaching a fair price for Dawson's services. 

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