West Ham want to sign Sheffield United defender John Egan
West Ham United are increasing their efforts to sign a defender or two this summer with Sheffield United’s John Egan the latest on the list, according to The Sun.
The 29-year-old was one of the Blades’ best players during their two-year stay in the Premier League that ended last season and he would be keen to return to the top flight next campaign.
Where he does that is likely to be determined by the Championship promotion and playoff race that Sheffield United are right in the middle of.
If they fail to gain promotion, Egan could be available at a price well within the Hammers’ price range and allow the Blades to get much-needed wages off their own bill.
Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall is another in a similar scenario with David Moyes looking to shore up his defence.
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The Sun claim that Issa Diop could be sold this summer and Craig Dawson is also entering the last year of his contract.
Egan would be a great option to replace either of these having had experience of the Premier League already as well as big international games for the Republic of Ireland.
His national team manager Stephen Kenny even claimed that “Egan could play in the Champions League,” after a mega display against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in November, as quoted by YorkshireLive.
It might not seem like the most long-term of signings at 29 years of age but he could still be a regular feature of Moyes’ side for another four or five years should he join.
If Egan is available at a cut-price this summer, it would seem bizarre for the Irons not to at least test the waters with the Bramall Lane club given the prize on offer.
In other West Ham news, talks are at an advanced stage in the Irons’ bid to sign this shot-stopper from the EFL.
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