Ireland striker being linked with a move in next month’s transfer window
Brighton's Evan Ferguson has struggled for game time this year after an ankle injury and loss of form. Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Brighton's Evan Ferguson has struggled for game time this year after an ankle injury and loss of form. Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Kevin Palmer
Today at 17:46
Evan Ferguson’s future at Brighton is shrouded in uncertainty, even after Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has insisted he does not want to lose the Ireland striker next month.
Ferguson has been edged out of the Brighton line-up after returning from ankle surgery last April and stories emerged last week suggesting he would be made available for a loan move next month.
That story was dismissed by Seagulls boss Hurzeler, who insisted Ferguson was still in his plans and urged him to fight for him place in the team.
"I don't know from where this information comes because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team," said Hurzeler.
"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."
Despite those comments, reports in the UK suggesting Nottingham Forest are weighing up a bid to sign Ferguson, with West Ham also mentioned as a possible destination for the Irishman.
Any move to West Ham could be complicated by the probable exit of Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, who is widely expected to be sacked in the next few days after a disastrous start to his reign at the club.
Ferguson has yet to make any public comment on his Brighton future since stories emerged about his possible exit, but he told the Sunday World he was enjoying working under boss Hurzeler in an interview conducted last September.
"I think he will be good for me, the way we play and the way we work," Ferguson said of the Brighton boss.
"The last few months have been tough. When you have surgery and have to go through all of that, I think it does take its toll, but hopefully it’s behind me now.”