Tottenham have opened talks over a new contract for club captain Michael Dawson, according to a report.
The central defender was almost sold to Queens Park Rangers for 9.2 million euros in the off-season, but could now commit his long-term future to the north London club, Goal.com say.
Dawson is under contract until 2015 but wants a pay rise and the 29-year-old's representatives have opened talks over a new four-year deal.
The former Nottingham Forest man looked set to be frozen out by Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas at the start of the campaign but has forced his way back into the side, making 20 appearances in all competitions this season.
Dawson, who has been capped four times by England, turned down a move to QPR in August and vowed to fight for his place at Tottenham after failing to agree personal terms on a switch to Loftus Road.
He earns around 46,000 euros a week at Tottenham and is seeking an increase to 69,000 a week for the last major contract of his career.
"Spurs appreciate that Michael deserves to be recognised for his service to the club," a source told Goal.com.
"He's proved his commitment over the years and he's a vital part of the first-team squad."
A four-year deal would keep Dawson at White Hart Lane until the age of 33 after he joined the club from Nottingham Forest in a 4.6-million euro deal in 2005.
Dawson has become a key figure in the heart of the defence during his time at Tottenham and took over as club captain following Ledley King's retirement in the off-season.
