Former Sheffield United defender John Egan is “likely to be offered” a contract by West Ham after he plays a trial game against Dagenham and Redbridge, according to ExWHUEmployee.

Writing on the West Ham Way Patreon (quotes via their website), Ex said that, while the Hammers have not made a final decision, there is now an expectation that the centre-back will join Julen Lopetegui’s team:

“The club hasn’t fully made a decision on whether they will go ahead with the signing but they are giving the Irish international a chance to prove he is the man with a deal likely to be offered afterwards.”

It is believed the behind-closed-doors friendly versus Dagenham will take place today so fans won’t have to wait long before they find out whether Egan has been snapped up.

Why have West Ham decided to pursue Egan?

Moves for two other free agents have been effectively ruled out. Ex-Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels was originally the leading candidate but he has now completed a move to Roma.

Joel Matip has also been looked at but there are concerns about his fitness. Considering Egan has been sidelined with injury for longer than the former Liverpool centre-half, though, you do have to question that logic.

It’s been a busy summer in the transfer market

If Egan’s move is made official over the coming days, he will become the Hammers’ 11th signing since the end of the last season.

Wes Foderingham, Luis Guilherme and Max Kilman all arrived early on in the summer, while the likes of Mahamodou Kante, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Jean-Clair Todibo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler were brought in later on.

A new centre-half was needed following the departures of both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd on deadline day but it is up for debate whether Egan is a capable replacement for either player.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here