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Don Goodman has given his verdict on reports that Derby County are among the Championship clubs interested in Hull City defender John Egan.

Pundit Don Goodman believes Hull City defender John Egan could be a good signing for Derby County, but only if he can stay fit after his injury problems in recent years.

After missing the majority of the 2023-24 season due to a serious Achilles injury, Egan joined Burnley on a free transfer last summer following his release by Sheffield United, but he made just eight appearances during a brief six-month spell at Turf Moor.

Having failed to establish himself in the Clarets side, Egan made the move to Hull on the final day of the winter transfer window, and he helped the Tigers narrowly avoid relegation from the Championship on goal difference last season.

However, Football Insider claim that Egan could be "available for a minimal fee this summer" amid Hull's current financial issues that have seen them hit with a three-window ban on paying transfer fees, and Derby are believed to be one of the Championship sides keen on the 32-year-old, along with Stoke City and newly-promoted Wrexham.

It has been a busy summer for the Rams so far, with Richard O'Donnell, Danny Batth, Andreas Weimann and Carlton Morris all arriving at Pride Park, and as head coach John Eustace continues to bolster his squad, Egan could be the next new addition.

Don Goodman reacts as Derby County plot John Egan, Hull City swoop

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman revealed his concerns over Egan's lack of game time in recent years, but he admitted that the experienced defender could be a strong signing for Derby if he can stay fit.

"I guess the answer really would have to be the same as John Egan to Stoke City," Goodman said.

"The concerns would be the same.

"24 games over the past three years shows a player who has had injury problems, but prior to that, he was one of the best central defenders in the Championship for Sheffield United.

"It's a case of can you get him and keep him fit and playing on a regular basis at the levels he was three years ago?

"That's the $64 million question.

"He's certainly the type of player that John Eustace would like.

"We know John Eustace likes his senior players, and John Egan certainly falls into that category."

Derby County should be cautious over John Egan move for one clear reason

While Goodman understandably has reservations about Egan's injury record, he did remain fit throughout the whole of last season during his time at Burnley and Hull, which suggests his problems could be behind him.

There is no doubt that Egan was one of the best defenders in the Championship at Sheffield United, but he has not managed to reach the same levels over the past few years, which would make his signing something of a gamble for Derby.

If Egan can rediscover his form, he could be a real asset for the Rams next season, but Eustace already has a number of experienced defenders at his disposal, so perhaps a younger option is needed to help to reduce the age of the back line.