Brentford have signed Republic of Ireland U21 international John Egan on a three-year deal after the defender turned down a contract to remain at Gillingham.

Gillingham will be entitled to compensation for the 23-year-old and negotiations over a settlement figure remain ongoing between Brentford and the Kent side.

Egan began his career with Greenwood FC in his hometown of Cork before joining the youth setup at Sunderland aged 16.

Despite turning professional at Sunderland in 2011 and moving on loan to Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Bradford and Southend, Egan failed to make a first-team appearance for the Wearsiders, joining Gillingham when he was released in 2014.

The Irishman made 92 appearances in two seasons at Gillingham, scoring 11 goals, and was named in last season’s PFA Sky Bet League One Team of the Year.

“John is someone we believe can come in and challenge for a place in the team,” head coach Dean Smith told Brentford’s website.

“I watched him a lot when he was at Sunderland and when he went out on loan. He is a proper centre back and has a hunger to keep the ball out of the net. He is a good defender and a good footballer as well. He is also a leader and we want to keep adding leaders to the squad.”

Phil Giles, co-director of football, added: “We are fortunate to have some high quality central defenders already at the club, but only one naturally right sided since the departure of James Tarkowski.

“John will therefore add some balance in this area. He has a good goal scoring record which we hope can continue at this higher level. On behalf of everyone at the Club I’d like to welcome John for what I’m sure will be a successful time at Brentford.”