Opinion: Why a contingency plan must be in place if Sheffield United key man departs in the summer

Premier League outfit West Ham United have identified Sheffield United centre-back John Egan as a potential summer signing, according to a report from The Sun.

As per the same outlet, the Blades could potentially be forced into a sale with the promotion chasers adopting a very conservative spending policy since returning to the Championship, adapting back to a more modest wage bill in their quest to continue being sustainable.

That potential sale could become more likely if United are unable to win promotion at the first time of asking, something that’s a real possibility considering the strength of other teams around them and the fact they were hampered by such an underwhelming start to the 2021/22 campaign.

This is why they need to be prepared for the Republic of Ireland’s potential departure, one that would rock Bramall Lane considering how much of an integral figure he has been in the South Yorkshire outfit’s first team.

Not only has the 29-year-old been a strong figure at the back individually – but he’s also been part of a back-three system that has proven to be so successful at the Lane – both under Chris Wilder and current boss Paul Heckingbottom.

United look so much more comfortable operating with three at the back as reinforced by the short Slavisa Jokanovic era, so removing someone like Egan who has become so accustomed to playing in this formation would be removing a sizeable piece of United’s puzzle.

This can’t possibly happen until the summer anyway unless he secures a move abroad, much to the delight of his side’s fans who will see him play a big part in their fortunes between now and the end of the season if he can avoid injuries and/or suspensions.

Thinking ahead to the summer though, there are no real