Everton are considering a move for Sheffield United defender John Egan in the January transfer window, according to the Mirror.
New manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is targeting Egan as his first new signing after being named as boss.
The Toffees are prioritising defence for recruitment in the new year. They have conceded 29 goals in the Premier League so far this season. That is the most in the division outside the bottom four.
In contrast, only leaders Liverpool and second-placed Leicester City have a better defensive record than the Blades in 2019/20.
Egan has played a key role in that success. Now Ancelotti is hoping the Republic of Ireland international can do the same for his team.
How Sheffield United are hoping to ward Everton off John Egan
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United have made a move to keep Egan at Bramall Lane by offering the 27-year-old a new contract. The Irishman is among a number of key players offered new deals by the club.
Chris Wilder admits that they do not have the same financial capabilities as most of the other teams in the top flight. However, he says they are in a stronger position than 18 months ago when they lost David Brooks to Bournemouth.
At the time the Blades were about to begin their second campaign in the Championship after six years in League One. The Cherries made an offer for Brooks and it was difficult for the player and the club to turn it down.
Now Wilder’s men are riding high in the Premier League. Going into their Boxing Day fixture with Watford they are fifth after 18 matches.
Whether they can maintain that form remains to be seen, but there is clearly a lot of ambition at the club.
Not only that, but the board have backed Wilder by allowing funds for new contract offers.