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Tom OlverPublished Aug 11, 2024, 12:16pm|Updated Aug 11, 2024, 12:17pm
Manchester United are plotting a £50m offer for Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson.
Ferguson, 19, has scored 16 goals in 65 appearances since breaking into Brighton’s first-team squad back in 2021 and is widely regarded as one of the finest young strikers in Premier League football.
Chelsea have been credited with a strong interest in Ferguson for some time and the Seagulls are aware the teenager is on the radar of some of England’s top clubs – but have so far managed to fend off their advances.
However, according to The Daily Star, United are preparing to test Brighton’s resolve with a late bid to land the Republic of Ireland international before the summer transfer deadline.
The report suggests an approach for Ferguson is ‘very much on the agenda’ at Old Trafford, with United chief Dan Ashworth – Brighton’s former sporting director – leading the charge for the highly rated teenager.
United are determined to further strengthen up front following the £32m arrival of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna but are concerned they could be beaten to the forward’s signature by Chelsea.
Rasmus Hojlund picked up a hamstring injury during United’s recent pre-season defeat at the hands of Arsenal and is not expected to return until after the September international break.
And with Hojlund sidelined, Erik ten Hag is desperate for attacking reinforcements to ensure United get their season off to the best possible start following a dismal Premier League campaign last time out.
England star Ivan Toney, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Brentford, has long been on United’s radar but the club pushing to invest in younger players under INEOS.
It’s believed Brighton would not be prepared to entertain offers of anything below £50m for Ferguson. The south coast outfit are in a strong negotiating position, with the Irishman tied into a deal at the Amex Stadium until June 2029.
Back in January, Paul Barber – Brighton’s chief executive and deputy chairman – admitted that selling Ferguson would likely be ‘part of the overall plan’ in the future.
‘Someone like Evan, who is an incredible talent, he’s still got a way to go to learn his trade,’ Barber told talkSPORT.
‘Letting him go at some point in the future is going to be I’m sure part of the overall plan, both from our side and Evan’s side.
‘But in the short-term we want to try and make sure we develop him the best we can.’
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