West Ham have moved a step closer to signing a new defender, with John Egan now the frontrunner, its been reported by ExWHUEmployee.

As has been reported previously by our club insider, the club look on course to bring in a senior 4th choice centre-back – this is following the departures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.

Although Joel Matip was considered the early favourite for the position, it appears former Sheffield United defender Egan is now the likely appointment, should he be able to prove his fitness to the club.

“It appears that John Egan is getting close to signing for the club,” reported Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon.

“There was some concerns over Joel Matip’s fitness and whether he would be the appropriate back up option. That transfer seemed to have a number of obstacles ahead of it to get the deal done although it isn’t completely ruled out yet.

“We believe however that John Egan could be about to start a trial with the club ahead of a potential move.

“There will be a friendly behind closed doors in the coming days for him to prove his fitness it is thought and also for other players that are not in international duty to build up theirs.

“The friendly is thought to be tomorrow against Dagenham and Redbridge. 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.”

Ex will be keeping fans posted on the situation as it develops on Patreon.