John Egan is less likely to join the Hammers

West Ham have been linked a lot of top quality centre backs since manager Julen Lopetegui suggested that West Ham are considering signing players on a free transfer to bolster their defence. New signings Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo are expected to be the starting central defenders this season, however, the Hammers need to bring in a fourth choice centre back to improve their defensive squad depth. Therefore, West Ham had been interested in signing several centre-backs like Mats Hummels, Mario Hermoso, Joel Matip and John Egan, who all were available on a free transfer after the end of the summer transfer window. 

Both Hummels and Hermoso joined Italian side Roma which left West Ham with Matip and Egan as their defensive transfer targets on a free transfer. Recently, it was also suggested that the Hammers can try to sign both of them to provide more tactical flexibility for manager Julen Lopetegui to play three centre-backs in some matches as well. While West Ham have offered a two year contract to former Liverpool star Joel Matip, they gave John Egan a chance in a friendly match against Dagenham during this international break. 

John Egan is less likely to join the Hammers

Egan looked reliable against Dagenham, however, West Ham doesn't seem to be much convinced about signing him. Recently, a trusted West Ham source revealed that the Hammers are considering the idea of promoting young centre back Kaelan Casey to the first team as a fourth choice defender, saying,

"Whilst West Ham have not fully made their decision on the future of John Egan however, it seems unlikely that he will now join the club. Staff within the club were undecided on whether a new centre back addition on a free transfer was the right thing to do."

- The West Ham Way

The Hammers view Casey as a long term defensive star, who can play as a fourth choice centre back to gain more experience and improve himself as a defender to become a reliable centre back at West Ham in the upcoming years. Now, it remains to be seen whether West Ham will sign any defender on a free transfer this season. Meanwhile, West Ham will face Fulham in an away fixture in the Premier League this week after the international break.