Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, with the Red Devils believed to be lining up a move for the Republic of Ireland international.
Ferguson enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign for Brighton, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions, before managing another six Premier League goals last term, and he is believed to be on the radar of a number of major clubs.
The 20-year-old has found it difficult this term, only managing one goal in 12 appearances, finding the back of the net against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at the end of October.
Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Fulham are among the clubs to be linked with Ferguson ahead of the January transfer window, but Brighton's CEO recently ruled out a mid-season departure for the youngster.
"Evan is a really important part of the squad. Sometimes mischievous rumours emerge from various strange places and one or two journalists will buy into those ideas, put out there by one or two other clubs perhaps in some cases," Paul Barber told talkSPORT.
"But Evan is very happy, we are very happy with Evan, we expect him to be an important of the squad throughout the season. Unfortunately, sometimes in this business we know that the rumour mill and the noise on the outside is stuff you have to ignore."
Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson in October 2024.© Imago
Man United 'reignite interest' in Ferguson
According to Fichajes, Man United, who are long-term admirers of Ferguson, are considering launching an offer for the forward next year.
The Red Devils are expected to sign another striker in 2025 due to Joshua Zirkzee's struggles, but it is possible that two could arrive if the Netherlands international leaves alongside another attacker.
Marcus Rashford's future is currently in severe doubt, and it is understood that offers of around £40m would be considered for the England international next year, making a departure possible.
Brighton allegedly value Ferguson in the region of €60m (£50m), making a January deal difficult, but there should be sizeable funds available to head coach Ruben Amorim to boost the squad during next summer's transfer window.
Ferguson has a record of 17 goals and five assists in 77 appearances for Brighton, and there is a belief that he could develop into one of the best strikers in the Premier League in the coming years, with Arsenal and Manchester City also thought to be admirers.
Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring on November 1, 2024© Imago
Which other strikers are on Man United's radar?
Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be Man United's leading forward target, with Amorim is expected to push for a reunion with the Sweden international during next summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils are also said to be keeping a close eye on Jonathan David's situation, with the Canada international's contract with Lille due to expire at the end of the campaign.
Rasmus Hojlund has scored seven times in 17 appearances this season and is in Amorim's long-term plans, but Zirkzee is expected to return to Serie A, with the Dutchman struggling to make his mark since arriving at Old Trafford.
Napoli are the latest club to be linked with a move for Zirkzee, but the forward is also thought to have interest from the likes of Juventus and Inter Milan, having impressed in Serie A before making the move to Manchester.
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