Manchester City are reportedly one of a plethora of clubs who are exploring a possible move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
The 18-year-old has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League since making his professional debut for the Seagulls in August 2021.
Having previously excelled at Under-21 level, scoring 18 goals in 39 games, Ferguson contributed with 10 goals and three assists in 25 senior appearances in his first full season with Brighton in 2022-23.
Ferguson, who was nominated for the 2022-23 PFA Young Player of the Year award, has since made a bright start to the new campaign, netting four goals in as many Premier League matches, including a hat-trick in last weekend's 3-1 victory over Newcastle United – becoming just the fourth player aged 18 or younger to score three goals in a single Premier League game.
The Republic of Ireland youngster has also made a notable impression on the international stage, scoring twice in six appearances since his debut in November last year.
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Ferguson's rapid rise at senior level has understandably caught the eye of a number of top European clubs, who could step up their interest in the striker in 2024.
According to Inews, treble winners Man City and almost all of the other Premier League's Champions League contenders are closely monitoring Ferguson.
A report earlier this year claimed that both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur hold a long-standing interest in the Irishman, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.
It is thought that Man City could target Ferguson as a possible long-term replacement for Erling Haaland, who is believed to be admired by Real Madrid.
The Citizens have no immediate concerns about Haaland's future, though, and they allegedly intend to offer the Norwegian goal machine a bumper new contract worth in the region of £550,000 per week.
Prising Ferguson away from Brighton, who are preparing for their first-ever Europa League campaign, could prove challenging, though, as CEO Paul Barber revealed last month that the Seagulls will not consider selling the striker for at least another five years.
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Speaking to talkSPORT about Ferguson's future, Barber said: "In Evan's case, it'll be in at least five years' time. Ultimately, the technical staff are making the key decisions on where a player is in his development, whether he needs more first-team games or needs to go on loan or if we need to trade earlier or later.
"Ultimately, it's going to be a collective decision but it's driven by the technical staff and we're relying on them to make those judgements regarding the players' development.
"There are times when it's better for us to keep a player in and around our first-team group, training with us and getting the odd first team appearance from the bench or in cup games, while on other occasions it's better for them to go out on loan in Europe. For others, it's better for them to stay in this country and be somewhere where we can keep a far closer eye on them.
"For those decisions, Tony [Bloom] and I leave them to the technical staff and we only really get involved when we get to the financial decisions and where we go next.
"It's a combined effort, it's a team effort and we're as much of a team off the pitch as we are on it and Tony and I both believe that we've got to work collaboratively and effectively, but ultimately, Roberto De Zerbi is making the big calls when it comes to the playing squad."
Ferguson, who still has five years remaining on his Brighton contract, was due to represent the Republic of Ireland during the international break, but he has been ruled out of their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers with a knee injury.
Oliver Thomas
