Hull City’s head coach, Sergej Jakirovic, has provided an update on the future of experienced centre-back John Egan ahead of the 7pm transfer deadline.

The Bosnian confirmed that the Republic of Ireland international participated in training ahead of the Tigers’ next match against Watford at the MKM Stadium.

Hull have continued to be the surprise package of the Championship season under Jakirovic’s management, overcoming the challenges of a two-window transfer fee restriction – which will expire tomorrow – and a slew of first-team player injuries to sit third in the table with 18 league matches remaining.

The East Yorkshire club had had a relatively quiet window until developments began to pick up in the final week of January, when the Tigers continued their fine run of form with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

City were finally able to conclude loan deals for Toby Collyer and Lewis Koumas from Manchester United and Liverpool, respectively, with the latter scoring an 81st-minute winner in East Lancashire on his first touch for the club.

Prior to kick-off at Ewood, it was claimed that Egan had began to receive interest from other teams; however, as has been the case since Semi Ajayi was called up to the African Cup of Nations in December, the Irishman played more than 90 minutes for the Tigers.

It was subsequently revealed that rival promotion hopes Ipswich Town – who City had surpassed in the table – had expressed an interest, though such speculation has since been hushed, while relegation-threatened West Ham United were also linked with the 33-year-old player.

However, Jakirovic told Hull Live in his pre-match news conference ahead of tomorrow’s game against the managerless Hornets that the two-time promotion winner is anticipated to stay in HU3 for the time being.

Sergej Jakirovic exposes Hull City’s boost in John Egan transfer drama amid Ipswich and West Ham talk.

Egan has been with the Tigers for one day short of a year, having signed an original 18-month contract after joining from Burnley under Ruben Selles.

Since then, the experienced defender has made 39 appearances in black and amber, with his only goal coming in a last-gasp level against Swansea City on September 13.

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

It was rumored that Ipswich and West Ham had expressed interest in the defender, but TWTD quickly confirmed that the Tractor Boys would not be making a move.

It has recently been announced that the Irons are looking to loan Axel Disasi from Chelsea. Jakirovic is confident that Egan will remain a Tiger after the deadline.Yes, he must workout,” Jakirovic replied. “So far, there have been no proposals from these teams, so I am calm. I believe he will continue with us, but if something comes up, the player will make the decision, because if you want to leave, what can I do?”

Keeping John Egan will help Hull City’s promotion chances.

With Hull being short of choices owing to injuries, it is critical that they retain as many players as possible in the short term.

Egan has been a consistent performer at the MKM for the past year, and he has formed a strong partnership with Hughes as a result, which has helped the Tigers vastly improve their previously alarming defensive record in recent weeks, with five clean sheets in their last ten league games.