West Ham United are seen as the front-runner in the chase for Evan Ferguson, with Brighton set to decide on the striker’s future.
According to Caught Offside, West Ham are front runners in the chase for Evan Ferguson ahead of the January window. Brighton are still contemplating the striker’s future, as the report states they might prefer a permanent sale for the Irish forward.
Brighton continues to believe in Evan Ferguson’s talent, but given how they operate, a decision on his future might be forthcoming in the coming period. The Seagulls are not necessarily leaning towards letting the forward leave, but the current signs certainly point towards an exit.
Ferguson has seen a dip in form, and this season, he has not played much under new boss Fabian Hurzeler. The young Austrian coach has preferred to use veteran Danny Welbeck more extensively and has relied on other options when calling upon players off the bench.
There has been much chatter around Ferguson, with a host of clubs still interested despite the 20-year-old PL forward’s loss in form. Arsenal and Manchester United are some of the clubs keen to sign the young forward if an opportunity presents itself, while Chelsea also retains an interest in him.
Brighton reportedly want £60 million to sell Ferguson, although those big clubs are unlikely to pay close to that fee given how badly his form has dipped. As the rumours picked up steam in the media, Hurzeler was recently asked about the striker and his future. The Brighton boss denied an exit for the striker while insisting he wanted to see more from him in training.
Hurzeler said, “I don’t know from where this information comes because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team. I am happy how he is training, what shape he is in physically, mentally. Of course, he is a young player and needs game time.”
“Accept your role and make sure you bring yourself in the mood and the shape that, when you get the chance, you are ready.“
“It is exactly that which I demand from Evan and also what I said to him. I never said anything to him about a loan or anything like this.”
West Ham front runners for Evan Ferguson?
While there are links to those other big clubs, West Ham have also been considering Ferguson as a target ahead of the January window. The initial reports have all pointed towards a potential loan deal from Brighton to aid the striker’s cause for regular game time. The Hammers have struggled up front and could use a new option as summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has struggled to stay fit since joining the Londoners.
Now that West Ham is considered the front-runner in the chase for Ferguson, it remains to be seen whether they broker a loan deal or talk about a permanent transfer. The lure of regular game time should appeal to the 20-year-old PL forward, but much will depend on where Brighton stands on his future.
