West Ham United could target Sheffield United stalwart John Egan if defender Craig Dawson leaves the east London club, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Lowdown: West Ham enjoy busy summer...

The Hammers seriously backed manager David Moyes this summer with eight major signings, displaying their real intent to remain among the Premier League's elite clubs.

West Ham have enjoyed a brilliant couple of seasons under the 59-year-old, having qualified for Europe in both of their last two full campaigns, prompting GSBK to supply the Scotsman with fresh faces as a result.

Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson Palmieri and club-record acquisition Lucas Paqueta were all permanent signings in the summer, but reports suggest the east Londoners are already weighing their next moves.

The Latest: West Ham eyeing Egan?

Speaking to This is Futbol, O'Rourke now believes that West Ham could target Blades 'leader' Egan - in the words of The Athletic's Kate Burlaga - if Dawson elects to depart the London Stadium.

He explained:

“Yeah, Egan’s a good player, he obviously has Premier League experience as well from Sheffield United’s time in the top flight.

“He’s a Republic of Ireland international, obviously doing quite well with Sheffield United right now who are top of the Championship table as well.

“So, if West Ham do end up losing Craig Dawson, I’m sure Egan is somebody who’s on the list of targets that David Moyes is looking at.”

The Verdict: Like-for-like?

The 29-year-old has been a fixture in Paul Heckingbottom's high-flying side so far this term, with Egan playing more league minutes than any other Sheffield United player (WhoScored).

In that time, Egan has averaged a superior amount of clearances and blocks per 90 compared to all of his team-mates, so it is clear why the centre-back would appeal to West Ham and Moyes.

While this potential move could revolve around Dawson's possible exit, we believe that Egan could certainly be a like-for-like heir to the east London favourite.