Manchester United are reportedly planning a summer bid for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
The 18-year-old made the move from Bohemians to Brighton in January 2021, featuring on four occasions for the Seagulls in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign.
Ferguson has made the full step up into the first team this season, meanwhile, making 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in the process.
The forward has three goals and two assists in 10 Premier League appearances this term, in addition to finding the back of the net on three occasions in the FA Cup, with Brighton in the semi-finals of the competition.
Ferguson's development has led to suggestions that a number of clubs are monitoring his progress, and according to Football Insider, Man United are keen to bring him to Old Trafford.
© Reuters
The report claims that the Red Devils have sent scouts to watch the teenager this season, and the Seagulls are bracing themselves for 'major interest' during the summer market.
Ferguson scored his first goal for Republic of Ireland last week, finding the back of the net in his national team's 3-2 victory over Latvia.
The forward has scored against Arsenal, Everton and Leicester City in the Premier League this season, while he netted twice in Brighton's 5-0 win over Grimsby Town in the FA Cup last weekend.
The Seagulls are in a strong position when it comes to Ferguson's future, having the youngster on a deal until the summer of 2026, as he penned a four-year professional contract on his 18th birthday.
© Reuters
Man United will be in the market for a big-money centre-forward this summer, as they look to bring in a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had his contract terminated at the end of last year.
Anthony Martial's fitness problems this season could lead to the Frenchman being sold, meanwhile, which would leave the club even shorter in the final third of the field.
As a result, two new strikers could arrive at Old Trafford this summer, with Ferguson potentially being signed to support a big-name arrival.
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen are believed to be Man United's two main targets in the final third of the field, but the size of the club's budget is unclear at this stage due to the ownership situation, with the Glazers in discussions over a sale.
Ferguson will be hoping to continue his involvement for Republic of Ireland in their opening Euro 2024 qualification fixture against France on Monday night.
Matt Law
