Sheffield United: New signing John Egan targets Premier League after becoming Blades' new record signing

The defender's fee eclipsed the £4m United paid for James Beattie over a decade ago, when his move from Brentford was confirmed last week.

And, at his first media briefing since becoming a Blade, the Republic of Ireland international admitted: "Everyone wants to get promoted and that was a big factor in my decision to come here. It's a really good opportunity for myself and hopefully we can be challenging at the top end of the table... the goal is definitely to get promoted."

Egan denied that the pressure of his transfer fee, around £4.1m, would weigh heavy on his shoulders ahead of his debut, which will come in tomorrow's prestigious friendly against Inter Milan at Bramall Lane.

"I don't think too much about the figure," he said.

"I've been brought in for a reason, to do a job, and that's to give my all for this football club. Now, it's my job to get my head down and kick on.

"As soon as I heard of the interest from United, and a bid was put in, it really made me feel wanted. It made me eager to come and work with Chris, and the rest of the lads.

"I'm going to focus fully on coming here, trying to impress the manager and showing the lads what I'm about. That's the main thing.

"If I'm doing the business for Sheffield United, hopefully things like further Republic of Ireland call-ups will come with that."