John Egan was linked with West Ham this summer, but the move didn't eventually materialise for the Irish international.
The Sheffield United centre back will be eager to return to the Premier League, but his club's reported decision to block his move to the Hammers has slowed down that move.
West Ham are said to be considering another £12m bid for the Corkman this January - but former Spurs fullback Alan Hutton is unsure that Egan is the player to improve David Moyes' side.
Former Spurs man questions West Ham moves for John Egan
John Egan has been a rock at the heart of the Ireland defence for some time now, and he was one of the most impressive performers during Sheffield United's return to the Premier League in 2019-20.
He has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with Leeds among those linked with the Cork native.
West Ham, however, were reportedly the most active in their pursuits of Egan, as they seek to return to the form of last season.
In an interview with Football Insider, former Spurs and Scotland defender Alan Hutton questioned whether John Egan would be the man to bring West Ham back into contention for the European places:
He's a good player, he's obviously got that Premier League experience.
Is he going to take them to the next level? No. I think at Sheffield United he was very strong, captain material, that type. He knows what it's all about, he does give you something and it's an area where maybe West Ham feel they need to strengthen a little bit.
They're in a difficult position at this moment in time and they feel that they need reinforcements. They have to climb up the table quickly, and you don't want to get bogged down in a relegation scrap so I think him coming in adds something to your team.
But it depends where they see themselves - do they see themselves challenging for the top six? It's going to be very difficult.
It's a strong take from Hutton, and one which could be questioned by pointing out that Egan has held his own against Premier League calibre players in recent months as part of Stephen Kenny's Ireland defence.
11 November 2021; Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is tackled by John Egan of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
In the past year alone, he has been part of an Ireland defence which held the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, and Che Adams' Scotland goalless. He certainly proved himself able to mix with the best during his time with the Blades in the Premier League. His national team manager went so far as to say he deserves to be playing Champions League football. Regardless, his level is most certainly Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether a move to the Premier League will materialise this season but, even if it does not, Sheffield United currently sit at the top of the Championship. Either way, it looks like we will see John Egan plying his trade in the top division next season - whether that be with West Ham, Sheffield United, or elsewhere. He will hope to prove the likes of Alan Hutton wrong.
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