Manchester United and Tottenham have identified Brighton’s Evan Ferguson as their target for the future. The 18-year-old has recently signed a new contract at Brighton.
Sky Sports have reported that both United and Spurs have identified the young striker as a target for the summer of 2024 and there is a feeling that another year of development at Brighton is going to be beneficial for Ferguson.
According to reports, United’s academy director Nick Cox labelled Ferguson as a “£50 million-plus mistake” after the club were unable to sign him during a trial at Carrington.
United are in the market searching for a centre-forward but they are currently targeting already established names such as Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen. Rumours suggest that Ferguson could be signed next year as an understudy.
Manchester United have also enquired about Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, who is a young striker with a similar profile to Ferguson. There is a growing feeling at Old Trafford that a younger understudy to a world-class striker might be the way to go going forward.
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Tottenham are looking for options in the market in case Harry Kane were to leave the club. The Englishman’s contract runs out next year and Ferguson is seen as a possible replacement with the potential to match Kane’s level.
Manchester City have reportedly also identified Ferguson as a target in case Erling Haaland departs the club in the future. Jose Mourinho at Roma is also an admirer of the Irishman.
Brighton believe that if the teenager can continue his growth with the same trajectory, he can even be a £100 million player. Ferguson has scored 10 goals in all competitions for the club in his breakthrough season.
Ferguson went on trial at giant clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Celtic but chose to sign for Brighton as he believed he would have the best chances to develop at the Amex.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi also told Sky Sports he has no doubts that Ferguson will become one of the best players in the Premier League. The Irishman will be playing in Europe next season as Brighton have officially qualified for European football next season.