Southend option for Egan after release by Sunderland

Republic of Ireland U21 international central defender John Egan has been handed the chance to sign for League Two side Southend United after being released by Sunderland.

Egan, 21, who is also attracting interest from Blackburn Rovers, ended the season on-loan at Southend and made 15 appearances for the club as they reached the play-off semi-finals.

Southend boss Phil Brown is keen to keep Egan and on-loan Liverpool defender Jakub Sokolik but admits he could end up fighting a losing battle.

“We have put a marker down with both John and Jakub and made reference to the fact that we would very much like them to stay but I’m sure they could have a few offers,” he said.

“They’re both from good stock, having been with Sunderland and Liverpool respectively, but because of how well they did for us I’m sure they will be attracting interest from elsewhere.

“We’ve been given permission to talk to the players by their clubs and we’re chasing their agents at the moment too. We could be in the driving seat because they’ve been here already but at the same time if a Championship or League One club comes in to sign them I would fully understand if they went there to play at a higher level.”