Maybe a controversial choice due to his age and lack of pace at the back but his quality has never been questioned for Tottenham or England when he plays at the heart of defence even when it looked like he was surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane. Dawson, who only made the bench on Saturday for his side's 1-0 victory over West Ham, now firmly looks surplus to requirements under Pochettino and a move away from London could be the perfect tonic for the former England centre-half. The North-East born defender could be ideal to replace John O'Shea or Wes Brown with over 230 appearances for Spurs and four England caps, and his experience would be his major selling point. Lee Congerton suggested he wanted a British heartbeat and there are few available options with greater leadership qualities to help ensure Sunderland avoid another relegation battle this season.