West Ham United are on the lookout for a new defender after being linked with a move for Sheffield United’s John Egan, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who admitted his surprise that such strong links are only emerging now.

The Lowdown: Egan linked with West Ham

According to reports, the Hammers are lining up a £12m January bid for the Blades centre-back, whose contract runs until the summer of 2024.

Irons manager David Moyes wanted to sign the Republic of Ireland international this summer, but the Championship outfit decided to keep hold of him as they aim to win promotion to the Premier League.

The 29-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in all of Sheffield United’s league games so far this season.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones says that he is surprised that West Ham didn’t test the Blades’ resolve with a formal offer during the summer, especially when it seemed like Craig Dawson was set to leave the east London club.

Speaking with GiveMeSport about Egan, the transfer insider claimed: “My main surprise is that he’s not a guy they really considered during the whole of the summer.

“So obviously, we know they’re on the lookout for future defenders, and there was probably one more signing potentially on the cards they could have done in that area.”

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The Verdict: Solid option

Having made 67 appearances in the top flight and 170 in the second tier, signing Egan would add another experienced defender to Moyes’ ranks.

For the Blades this season, the Irish colossus has averaged 4.2 clearances, one interception and 0.9 blocks per game in the Championship, having earned a 7.07 average match rating from Sofascore.

That is a greater clearances and blocks ratio than anyone in West Ham's current squad, while only Declan Rice has a better Sofascore rating in 2022/23 among Moyes' existing crop.

Previously hailed as an ‘unreal’ player by commentator Oisin Langan, it is no surprise to see that the Irons want to bring the Blades defender to the London Stadium in January.