Preston North End free transfer option seals

Preston North End rivals Burnley have completed a free-transfer move for trusted Paul Heckingbottom ally John Egan.

The Lilywhites’ Lancashire and Championship foes have secured the Republic of Ireland international on a one-year deal following his release by Sheffield United at the end of last season.

Egan, who looked poised to join Premier League West Ham last week, represents head coach Scott Parker’s 16th signing of the summer and has joined in time to be considered for Burnley’s trip to Leeds on Saturday.

Some Deepdale supporters believed Heckingbottom would go to the 31-year-old to try and instill some of his attitude in the team he recently took over from Ryan Lowe.

PNE boss Paul Heckingbottom, right, with John Egan during their Sheffield United days

The two collaborated at Bramall Lane throughout their respective tenures, with former Blades captain Egan making 45 Championship appearances in the 2022–2023 season that Heckingbottom led United to promotion to the Premier League.

The center defender is now firmly a Burnley player and prepared to support the Clarets’ ambitions to return to the Premier League at the first request, thus the possible trade never happened.

Preston recruited five new players over the summer, with Nottingham Forest winger Josh Bowler added following Heckingbottom’s appointment as manager.
In the event that the newly appointed Deepdale manager decides to expand his options by signing free agents, PNE still has three spots available in their Championship ranks.

The next game for Heckingbottom & Co. is on Saturday at Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough. On Saturday, October 5, Preston will visit Turf Moor with Burnley.

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