5:22PM BST 21 Aug 2012
Sebastian Bassong has been sold to Norwich City, and Dawson was left out of
the squad for Saturday's opening-day
Dawson had long been earmarked as a successor to Ledley King as Tottenham captain and he skippered the side during pre-season.
But the 28-year-old, who moved to White Hart Lane seven-and-a-half years ago, made just 13 appearances last term after struggling with injury and it has been suggested he may now not be a key part of new manager Andre Villas-Boas' plans.
It is also understood QPR defender Matthew Connolly is on the brink of sealing a move to Cardiff, with a fee having been agreed between the two clubs.
And there is still the prospect of Joey Barton joining Marseille on loan, although some arrangement would need to be made for the deposed Rangers captain to serve the 12-match ban for his violent conduct at Manchester City on the final day of last season.
Reports in France suggest QPR are interested in bringing Stephane Mbia in the opposite direction, the defender having also been linked with West Ham and Sunderland.
