Just a few days into January and Sheffield United defender John Egan is already being linked with a move away from Bramall Lane.
Egan scored the crucial last-minute equaliser at QPR on Monday night. The Irishman made up for a mistake earlier in the game which had gifted Ilias Chair the opening goal.
The United vice-captain has once again been integral for the Blades this season. However, that form has attracted admiring glances from above. Sunday Mirror Journalist Darren Witcoop claimed on Twitter that the Blades were facing a January fight to keep hold of Egan, with PL clubs said to be keen.
But with no mention of who those clubs might be, it remains to be seen whether a bid will come United’s way or not.
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Who could be interested in John Egan?
With no mention from Witcoop over who the interested clubs might be, we’re left to essentially guess and look at past interest.
Our knowledge tells us there could be a number of interested parties when it comes to Egan. Most recently, Leeds United were credited with holding an interest in the defender.
West Ham are another club thought to be keen on Egan. The Daily Mail reported in September how the Hammers were considering a £12m bid for the Blades star in January. And with David Moyes under pressure, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Hammers active in January.
Many moons ago, with Egan impressing in the Premier League, Everton were also thought to be considering making a bid for Egan. That interest appears to have dried up, with the Toffees struggling and Frank Lampard fighting for his job.
Sheff U News View: Egan not worth selling
Sitting in the Championship’s top two always means other clubs will be looking at your players. And while there’s so much talk of keeping the likes of Ndiaye and Berge, keeping Egan is just as important.
He is essential as the middle cog in the back three and has been for some time now. Should United go up, he is effectively a guaranteed starter in a key position.
Egan will have a price, like every other player. But if the Blades have aspirations of promotion, they’ll fend off any interest here and convince the Irishman to stay put.
