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.