Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly retain a long-standing interest in Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson.
When leaving Bohemians for the Amex Stadium in January 2021, Ferguson was generally only known in Ireland having represented his club at senior level as a 14-year-old.
However, despite still only being 18 years of age, Ferguson is now regarded as one of the most highly-regarded teenagers in world football having made an instant impact in the Premier League.
As well as chipping in with six goals and two assists from 821 minutes of top-flight football during 2022-23, Ferguson has 10 strikes and three assists from 25 appearances in all competitions.
That level of impact had level to an increasing number of clubs becoming admirers of a player who already has three caps for Republic of Ireland.
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Brighton were able to react to handing Ferguson a new long-term contract, keeping him tied to the newcomers to European football until 2028.
Nevertheless, according to Sky Sports News, the Seagulls should not expect interest in his signature to disappear in the short or long term.
The report claims that Man United and Spurs are already undergoing the groundwork in order to try to sign Ferguson during the 2024 summer transfer window.
Brighton are allegedly hopeful that Ferguson can become a £100m+ player if he continues his current trajectory, something which would take longer than another year of football.
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As it stands, that level of bid is unlikely to arrive from United and Spurs, yet it is claimed that both clubs view Ferguson as a potential long-term option down the centre of their attack.
United boss Erik ten Hag is keen for at least one fresh option this summer with Anthony Martial potentially departing Old Trafford and Wout Weghorst returning to parent club Burnley.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane has just over 13 months left on his contract at Spurs, who can only secure Europa Conference League football at best for 2023-24.
United could move for Kane over the coming weeks, although it is unclear whether they will be prepared to pay at least £100m for the England international and if Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would sell to a rival club.
Darren Plant
