Everton are today being linked with a move for Blades defender, John Egan.
According to a report from the Sun on Sunday (17/11; page 67), the Toffees are eyeing up a move for the Irish defender.
Egan has been immense for the Blades as they have climbed to fifth in the Premier League table. Playing at the heart of a back three with Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell, Egan has proved himself more than capable in the top-flight.
The former Brentford man is in action tomorrow as Ireland face a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier with Denmark. Blades fans will be praying he comes back unscathed from the game.
Why might Everton want John Egan?
Put simply, the Toffees have been poor this season. They sit 15th in the Premier League table and Marco Silva is coming under increased pressure.
MORE UNITED STORIES
They’ve conceded 18 goals too, as the likes of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane have struggled. Behind Keane and Mina, there lies a big problem with the depth of the squad. Only young defender, Mason Holgate, is in the mould of a natural central defender.
Bringing a player like Egan in would offer an immediate fix both short and long-term. However, whether he’d play second fiddle to the current pair in the back four is another question.
Blades have to say no or demand the world
United and Everton have a good relationship, based on previous deals. Phil Jagielka and James Beattie swapped clubs a while back, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin moved not so long ago. Harking back many a year, the likes of John Ebbrell and Graham Stuart have moved between the clubs.
However, on this occasion, United simply have to say no. And if they can’t say no, they have to be demanding a massive sum of money if Everton are serious.
Egan has proven himself as one of the best in the business this season. He’s growing in confidence week after week, too. He earned rave reviews from fans for keeping Harry Kane quiet just last weekend.
If United are to continue their excellent form in the Premier League, then keeping the likes of Egan is imperative.
Chris Wilder will categorically not want to lose Egan. However, he will know every player has a price. Given Everton paid £30m (BBC) for Keane and £27.19m (BBC) for Mina, then that gives an indication of the prices for top defenders.
If the Blades are to sell John Egan to Everton, then a fee in excess of those mentioned above has to be on the table.