West Ham United are believed to be eyeing a January move for Sheffield United defender John Egan, with manager David Moyes keen to strengthen his centre-back options.

What's the word?

As per The Sun, the Hammers are set to make a £12m approach for the Republic of Ireland international in the New Year, having reportedly been eyeing the 29-year-old in the recent window.

The report suggests that the Championship outfit refused to do a deal for the 6-foot-1 colossus over the summer, with Moyes and co having also targetted other possible defensive additions before the end of the deadline.

There had been reports that the east Londoners were keen on a move for Jan Bednarek on deadline day, although the Polish defender instead secured a switch to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Dawson replacement

That failed approach for the Southampton loanee seemingly put paid to any hopes of a departure for current Irons man Craig Dawson, with the 32-year-old having been close to a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While the Englishman was unable to secure his desired exit, the above report suggests that any deal for Egan could well help to spark a move elsewhere, with the former Watford man having less than a year remaining on his current deal.

The £42.5k-per-week titan has been a reliable presence for the London Stadium outfit since his arrival two years ago, notably playing a key role in the club's surge to the Europa League semi-final last season, earning a place in UEFA Team of the Year as a result.

Although not a glamourous name, Dawson has emerged as a real fan favourite for his no-nonsense and old-fashioned approach to his defensive work, while also proving himself a real threat offensively as he has netted an impressive eight goals in 75 games for the club to date.

Should he secure a move in January, a new addition may well be needed despite the recent acquisition of Thilo Kehrer, with fellow summer signing Nayef Aguerd facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a frustrating start to life in England due to injury.

Having also seen Issa Diop secure a move to Fulham - and with veteran ace Angelo Ogbonna only recently returning from a long-term injury - Moyes' options are already somewhat limited at the heart of the defence.

Turning to Egan could well be an ideal solution, however, with the Cork-born "leader" - as described by journalist Kate Burlaga - already boasting top-flight experience, having racked up 67 Premier League appearances across just two seasons in the competition.

The £6.3m-rated gem - who offers the flexibility to feature in a back three or a back four - has proven himself a hugely consistent presence at Bramall Lane, starting 46 games in the second tier last term, racking up an impressive haul of 20 clean sheets in that time.

A reliable and dependable figure - much like Dawson - the Irishman also mirrors the current Hammers man due to his goal threat, having scored twice and laid on two assists last term for Paul Heckingbottom's side.

While not the high-profile addition that supporters may be craving, the Sheffield star could well be something of an unsung hero were he to make the switch to West Ham in the winter window.