Wrexham appear to be in the market for a new central defender as Phil Parkinson prepares for next month’s Championship kick-off.
Wrexham are back in action on Tuesday morning as Phil Parkinson takes his side to face Australian outfit Sydney FC.
The tour of Australia and New Zealand continues, just days after Wrexham beat Melbourne Victory 3-0.
Parkinson will look for another victory, but will also have one eye on potential signings in the transfer window.
Wrexham boss Parkinson has continued to chase players while in Australia, with a host of names on the radar.
Wrexham interested in signing Hull City defender John Egan
Central defenders appear to be on Parkinson’s radar despite boasting an impressive defensive record in League One last season.
Wrexham eyed Craig Dawson after his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the veteran centre-back remains a free agent.
An experienced defender seems to be the profile in mind, and reporter Pete O’Rourke claims that Wrexham are interested in signing Hull City’s John Egan.
It’s suggested that Stoke City and Derby County are both keen on Egan as well, with clubs lining up for the Irishman’s signature.
The 32-year-old won promotion to the Premier League twice during his six-year stay at Sheffield United, racking up more than 200 appearances in his time with the Blades.
Egan joined Burnley on a free transfer in September 2024, but was sold on to Hull City in February 2025, penning an 18-month deal with the Tigers.
Hull have been facing transfer restrictions of late, and Egan could be moved on with Wrexham facing a battle for his signature.
John Egan could join forces with James McClean
Egan would bring bags of Championship experience, and a move would see him reunite with James McClean.
Wrexham skipper McClean has played alongside Egan for the Republic of Ireland on the international stage.
The pair have played 38 times together in their careers, and even featured in the Sunderland reserves together in the 2011-12 season.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner just before Euro 2012, Egan admitted that McClean was an inspiration for him, having made such a big impact at Sunderland in such a short space of time.
McClean quickly rose to prominence at Sunderland and left a young Egan believing that he could follow the same path.
Egan praised McClean as a ‘good friend’, and the pair may now reunite at Wrexham this summer.
“It gives all the young players hope. When you see what James has done in six months, it just shows that if you get your chance too and you take it, then it could turn out like that,” said Egan.
“He’s made the Euros in six months – that’s a very hard thing to do – but he’s done it and I’m delighted for him. A year ago, he came over to us and he was with the reserves and he was doing very well and got his chance, and six months later, he is in the Euros. He deserves it. He has been unbelievable in games and he has scored great goals. He’s a great lad as well and a good friend of mine, so I’m delighted for him. I hope he does well at the Euros,” he added.
Egan would fit a similar mould as Dawson in terms of his experience, and Parkinson may believe that Hull will sell this summer as they battle financial issues.