Kylian Mbappe comments on Evan Ferguson ahead of France, Republic of Ireland clash

Kylian Mbappe has acknowledged that France have done their homework on Republic of Ireland forward Evan Ferguson.

At a time when Mbappe is regarded as one of the best players in the world and recently top-scored at the World Cup, Ferguson is currently starting out in the professional ranks.

However, the 18-year-old has already established himself as one of the rising prospects in world football having become a first-team regular at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The teenager has contributed seven goals and four assists in 20 appearances for the Seagulls, and that return has led to him being fast-tracked into the senior Irish setup.

Ferguson has three caps to his name, scoring on his full debut on Wednesday as Stephen Kenny's side recorded a 3-2 victory over Latvia in a friendly.

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Republic of Ireland now hope that Ferguson can further enhance his reputation with an eye-catching performance versus the 2018 world champions in Dublin as they begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on Monday night.

As expected, new France captain Mbappe was asked about Ferguson in his pre-match press conference, admitting that the coaching staff had shown the team videos of the youngster.

Mbappe said, as quoted by BBC Sport: "He's a good striker, an important striker for that team.

"We've seen some clips about him, of course, but we hope tomorrow he's going to do nothing and that means we are going to win and we're going to do our job. But he is a good player."

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Ferguson possesses a contract at Brighton until 2026, one which is expected to help keep him at the Amex Stadium for at least another season.

Nevertheless, speculation persists that some of the Premier League's biggest clubs are considering whether to make a formal approach.

Manchester United are said to be admirers of Ferguson, although it has been alleged that the frontman will reject an immediate switch to Old Trafford.

Chelsea, managed by former Brighton boss Graham Potter, and Tottenham Hotspur are also allegedly monitoring the situation ahead of potentially trying to tempt Brighton into a big-money sale.