Craig Dawson has urged Sheffield Wednesday’s Keiren Westwood to stay at the club this summer, despite interest from Middlesbrough, reports the Sheffield Star.

Boro, who are preparing for their Sky Bet Championship return under Garry Monk, are keen to add a goalkeeper to their squad following the departures of Victor Valdes and Brad Guzan.

Monk has identified Westwood as a transfer target, and there is firm interest from the Riverside club in the Irish international, with a reported bid already turned down by the Owls.

Westwood’s fellow goalkeeper, Dawson, has now urged the 32-year old to stay at Hillsborough, he said: “It is there for everyone to see how good Keiren has been for us. His performances have been great over the last three years and I would put him right up there in terms of Championship goalies, if not at the top.

“Keiren has a lot of experience and he performs well week in, week out. It is excellent for Sheffield Wednesday if he stays.”

Since Westwood’s arrival in 2014, the goalkeeper has been instrumental in Wednesday turning themselves into one of the Championship’s most dangerous teams under Carlos Carvalhal.

The 32-year old has helped Wednesday to back-to-back top-six finishes, and made 45 league appearances for the Owls last season, as Carvalhal’s side once again competed in the play-offs.

Westwood could not help Wednesday end their 17-year wait for a Premier League return, as the Owls suffered a disappointing play-off semi-final defeat to Huddersfield Town.

Carvalhal is now preparing Wednesday for another push for promotion, and has already made one signing this summer, bringing George Boyd to Hillsborough from Premier League side, Burnley. 

Wednesday fans… Do you think Westwood will still be with your club next season? Let us know your thoughts!