'˜Impatient' Sheffield United boss Wilder set to sign Brentford defender

SHEFFIELD UNITED are on the verge of signing Brentford defender John Egan.

By The Newsroom Wednesday, 18th July 2018, 6:51 pm Updated Thursday, 19th July 2018, 8:47 am

Blades striker Leon Clarke battles with John Egan of Brentford.

The Blades have, in common with many in the Championship, found the going in the transfer market tough at times this summer.

Bolstering a forward line that is about to lose Ched Evans to Fleetwood Town on loan remains the priority but Chris Wilder also has other areas that he wants to strengthen.

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The permanent capture of Egan, who made one appearance on loan at Bramall Lane in 2012, would be a big boost with sources suggesting the deal is almost done.

On the hunt for new faces, Wilder said: “The biggest thing now is that I bring in some top drawer players to complement the ones we have already got. We all understand that and I will do that.

“I am impatient. But I am 100 per cent confident, in the week leading up to the Swansea game (on August 4), that our squad will look stronger and better than it did last season.

“It is difficult to get players, especially when you are after the quality ones. There are some big spending, powerful Championship clubs chasing the same signatures. But we are in there with a shout.”

United fielded two trialists in Tuesday night’s 3-2 friendly win at Bradford City.

Luke Steele, a free agent after leaving Bristol City last month, came off the bench in the second half amid suggestions in the Midlands that West Bromwich Albion have stepped up their interest in Simon Moore. George Long yesterday joined Hull City.

David McGoldrick, the former Ipswich Town striker, did his own hopes of earning a contract no harm with a lively display at Valley Parade.

“He showed his class,” said Wilder about the 30-year-old forward. “We are after Championship players and he has played at the top end of the Championship all his career.

“I am not a snob where I get my players from. He is a really good all-round technical player who wants to earn a contract.”

Long’s switch to Hull takes the tally of signings made by Nigel Adkins this summer to six. His transfer is believed to include a sell-on clause.