In-demand John Egan set for busy deadline day

Hull City are keen to keep the Ireland international

John Egan of Hull City (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)

Third-placed Championship side Hull City are braced for a flurry of deadline day approaches for their Cork-born defender John Egan.

West Ham United are amongst the clubs believed to be hawking the 33-year-old who extended his contract with the Tigers in January His former club Sheffield United and Ipswich Town are the Championship rivals thought to be circling, albeit local reports deny interest from the latter.

“If you ask me, I would like John to stay with us,” said Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic when asked after Saturday’s win about Egan’s future.

“If somebody asked at the beginning of the season whether John Egan would play a big number of games, I don’t think he would have believed that, but he’s a very important member of this squad.

“John’s truly a leader with a lot of experience, and it’s no surprise to me that he has offers.

“We will see. If a player decides to go, you must respect that.

“I cannot stop anybody if he chooses to go, but I will fight to make sure he stays with us.” The Ireland defender joined the Tigers on an 18-month deal last February but featured sufficiently in their unfancied march up the table have an extra season added.

He ended a two-year hiatus from Ireland action, primarily due to injury, by coming on as a late substitute in the World Cup qualifier away to Portugal in October for his 37th cap.