Former Sheffield United defender John Egan is on the verge of a move to Premier League side West Ham United, according to a report by The West Ham Zone.
The Cork-born defender has been a free agent since his contract at Bramall Lane came to an end in the summer and is now set for a switch to the top flight.
Egan only managed six league appearances last term as the Blades suffered a torrid season that inevitably ended in relegation. Prior to last season, the 36-cap Republic of Ireland international had represented the Bladesmen on over 200 occasions.
The defender was a mainstay in two successful Championship promotion attempts during his time at Bramhall Lane and was a regular during two consecutive seasons in the top division.
He was a key part of a defence that conceded only 39 times as the club finished ninth in the 2019-20 season. Relegation followed the year after and he would go on to make a further 91 Championship appearances before top-flight status was regained.
Following his departure from United, Egan was rumoured to be training with Scott Parker’s Burnley with a view to a deal but he now looks set for a return to the top division.
Egan played one-half of West Ham’s behind-closed-doors friendly with Dagenham and Redbridge on Thursday as part of his trial with the club.
It is believed that defensive reinforcements are a priority for the Hammers and that they have looked at former Liverpool defender Joel Matip before taking Egan on trial after developing concerns over Matip’s fitness.
John Egan started his career in English football with Sunderland but failed to make a senior appearance for the Tyne and Wear outfit and gained experience during loan switches.
After temporary moves to the Blades, Crystal Palace and Southend United, Egan made the permanent transfer to Gillingham in League One.
His performances at the Priestfield Stadium led to a move to the Championship side Brentford, who he represented for two seasons. During his time with The Bees, Egan earned his first international cap as he was chosen by Martin O’Neill for Ireland’s friendly defeat to Iceland.
After over 70 appearances for Brentford, the defender made the switch to their second-tier rivals Sheffield United.
Writer’s View
This is a low-risk move for West Ham United with no transfer fee involved. By taking Egan on the trial, the club have allowed themselves the opportunity to assess his fitness before offering a contract.
He is an experienced defender who has consistently been fit and completed over 30 matches per season, aside from last year. West Ham would be getting an experienced defender who has played in the Premier League and won promotion from the Championship twice.
For the player himself, the chance to get back into the Premier League is one that he perhaps wasn’t expecting. Kurt Zouma has departed the club on loan for Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah, leaving manager Julen Lopetegui with only three first-team centre-back options.
With limited options available, Egan is likely to find himself as much more than a squad player at the London Stadium.
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