Derby County boss Nigel Clough is chasing Sunderland defender John Egan.

The Mirror says Clough wants Sunderland's young Irish centre-half Egan to join on loan - and fill skipper Jason Shackell's boots.

Clough will ask old pal Martin O'Neill to let him have the defender for first-team action.

Egan is keen to play in the Championship after some games at Crystal Palace last season.