"What can I do?" - Sergej Jakirovic drops John Egan update amid Ipswich, West Ham talk | OneFootball

John Egan has become the subject of speculation in the dying stages of the winter window

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has issued a fresh update on the future of experienced centre-back John Egan ahead of the looming 7pm transfer deadline.

The Bosnian has revealed that the Republic of Ireland international took part in training ahead of the Tigers' upcoming clash against Watford at the MKM Stadium.

Hull have continued to be the surprise package of the Championship season under Jakirovic's management, managing to overcome the hurdles of a two-window transfer fee restriction - which will expire as of tomorrow - and a multitude of injuries to first-team players as they sit third in the table with 18 matches of their league season still to play.

It had been a rather quiet window for the East Yorkshire club until developments started to burst into life in the final week of January, which also saw the Tigers continue their strong run of form with a 1-0 success over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

City were able to finally complete loan moves for Toby Collyer and Lewis Koumas from Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, with the latter slotting home an 81st-minute winner in East Lancashire with his very first touch for the club.

Prior to kick-off at Ewood, it was reported that Egan had begun to attract interest from other clubs, although, as has been the case ever since Semi Ajayi was called up to the African Cup of Nations in December, the Irishman played 90-plus minutes for the Tigers.

It had then emerged that fellow promotion hopefuls, Ipswich Town - who City leapfrogged in the table - had reportedly shown interest, albeit such talk has since been quashed, whilst, rather surprisingly, relegation-threatened West Ham United also became linked with the 33-year-old.

However, Jakirovic stated to Hull Live in his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash with the managerless Hornets that the two-time promotion winner is expected to remain in HU3 for the time being.

It has been one day short of a year since Egan joined the Tigers, penning an initial 18-month contract after signing from Burnley under Ruben Selles.

Since then, the experienced defender has amassed 39 appearances in black and amber, with his solitary strike coming through a last-gasp equaliser at Swansea City on September 13th.

The former Sheffield United man has featured 28 times in all competitions this season, and late in this window, joined his compatriot, Cathal McCarthy, fellow centre-back, Charlie Hughes and currently-sidelined full-back, Cody Drameh, as the latest Hull defender to receive interest.

It was reported that Ipswich and West Ham had registered their interest in the defender, although TWTD soon revealed that the Tractor Boys would not be pursuing a move.

It has since been revealed that the Irons are pushing to loan Axel Disasi from Chelsea. And, as far as Jakirovic is concerned, there is confidence that Egan will be remaining a Tiger post-deadline.

"Yes, he must train," said Jakirovic. "What I know so far, there are no bids yet from these clubs, so I'm calm. I think he will stay with us, but if something will come, the player will decide, of course, because if you want to go, what can I do?"

Retaining John Egan will be a boost for Hull City's promotion chances

With Hull still short on options due to injuries, it is pivotal that they retain the services of as many players as possible in the short-term.

Egan has been a reliable performer throughout his 12 months at the MKM, and he has formed a strong partnership with Hughes as a result, which has also helped the Tigers vastly improve a previously alarming defensive record in recent weeks, as they have kept five clean sheets in their last 10 league outings.