West Ham have been linked with several top-quality centre-backs after manager Julen Lopetegui hinted at the club’s intention to explore free transfers to bolster their defensive options.
The Hammers, who recently secured the signings of Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, are expected to start the pair in central defence this season.
However, the club is still looking to add a fourth-choice centre-back to improve squad depth.
West Ham have shown interest in a number of experienced defenders, including Mats Hummels, Mario Hermoso, Joel Matip, and John Egan. All were available on free transfers following the closure of the summer window.
Hummels and Hermoso eventually opted for moves to Roma, leaving Matip and Egan as West Ham’s remaining targets. Both defenders are seen as players who could not only strengthen the squad but also offer tactical flexibility for Lopetegui, particularly if he opts to play with three centre-backs in certain matches.
The Hammers have reportedly offered former Liverpool star Joel Matip a two-year contract, recognising his experience in top-flight football. At the same time, they gave John Egan a chance to impress by fielding him in a friendly match against Dagenham during the international break.
However, Egan has since signed for Burnley, securing a contract with the Championship side until the end of the season. The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who had been on trial with Scott Parker’s Burnley, became a free agent after ending a six-year spell with Sheffield United over the summer.
Speaking to Burnley’s official website, Egan said: “First and foremost, I’m an ambitious person, an ambitious player and I feel like I’m at an ambitious club. The manager, staff and the players all want to be successful. I want to come in and add to that. I want to bring my experience and my ability into the group to help drive the group on.”
Egan, who boasts 36 international caps and stints at Gillingham and Brentford, helped Sheffield United secure promotion from the Championship on two occasions.
Now at Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League alongside Sheffield United last season, Egan will aim to help the Clarets in their push for promotion. They currently sit sixth in the Championship, having taken seven points from their opening four games.