Sheffield United and John Egan remain in ongoing negotiations regarding a contract extension, as reported by the Telegraph. The 31-year-old defender’s future at the club is currently under discussion, with two Premier League clubs expressing interest in acquiring the experienced Republic of Ireland international.
Recently, Egan hinted at his potential commitment to Sheffield United by posting a picture on social media. The image showed him back on the grass at Shirecliffe, the club’s training ground, engaged in drill work with training equipment visible in the background. This post has been a significant relief for fans, indicating his readiness for the upcoming pre-season and his possible intention to stay with the Blades.
John Egan’s absence was keenly felt during Sheffield United’s dismal campaign last season. He managed only six Premier League appearances before suffering an unfortunate injury at the Olympic Stadium. Without Egan, Sheffield United’s defence struggled significantly, culminating in a record-breaking 104 goals conceded over the season.
John Egan opens up about his future at Sheffield United
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, the 31-year-old revealed negotiations about a new contract with the Blades are going on in the background, nevertheless, his main focus is on getting back to 100% fitness.
“Those talks are going on in the background, they are above my head. For the last few months now, I’ve just been gearing myself towards getting fully fit for pre-season. I’m in a great place now and I’m doing a lot of work with Sheffield United, the staff, and doing a lot of good training. That’s been at the forefront of my mind, getting back fully fit.
“Most of these things are out of my hands. As a player, all I can do is focus on getting my body up to speed.
“Them talks will be going on in the background and when the time comes, when there is an offer or a decision to be made, everything gets weighed up. My main goal now is to keep going with my training and keep working really hard and when the time comes where a decision has to be made, a decision will be made.”
United have been linked with several centre-backs in recent weeks
Sheffield United have been credited with interest in several defenders already this summer. Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall has reportedly been on United’s shortlist ever since the January transfer window, but Forest chose to send Worrall on loan to Besiktas.
Another centre-back the Blades have been linked with is promising Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips over a season-long loan move.
Paddy McNair, who Chris Wilder is a huge fan of, is also said to be on United’s shortlist after he became a free agent following his refusal to sign a new deal with Middlesbrough. And, Gabriel Osho, who is set to become a free agent at the end of June, is linked with making a switch to Bramall Lane from Luton Town. However, negotiations have reportedly gone on hold due to the possibility of a takeover.