Sheffield United: Brentford defender John Egan set to become a Blade as Bramall Lane makes transfer breakthrough

Sheffield United are poised to sign Brentford defender John Egan following a fresh round of talks between the two clubs overnight, according to sources in London.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is a long-standing admirer of John EganSheffield United manager Chris Wilder is a long-standing admirer of John Egan
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is a long-standing admirer of John Egan

The centre-half, aged 25, emerged as one of Chris Wilder's leading transfer targets after impressing for Dean Smith's side last term.

Egan, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at both senior and youth level, enjoyed a brief spell on loan at Bramall Lane earlier in his career and that, combined with Wilder's brand of football, is thought to have been a major factor in his decision to choose United above the host of other clubs chasing his signature, including Yorkshire rivals Leeds.Barring any unexpected complications, he will become United's second acquisition of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Dean Henderson.Egan, who was born in Cork, started his career with Sunderland and also represented Crystal Palace, Bradford City and Southend before joining Gillingham on a permanent basis four years ago. Brentford prised him away from Priestfield in 2016, with Smith handing Egan the captaincy when Harlee Dean joined Birmingham City.