Manchester United are reportedly preparing to battle Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal for the signature of Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson.
The 19-year-old started his professional career at Bohemians before moving to Brighton in early 2021, and he made his first-team debut for the Seagulls towards the start of the 2021-22 campaign.
Ferguson has featured on 50 occasions for Brighton in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and registering four assists, with his Premier League record proving to be 12 goals and two assists in 36 appearances.
The Republic of Ireland international has been a regular for Roberto De Zerbi's side this season, featuring on 21 occasions in all competitions, scoring six times, with all of his goals coming in the Premier League.
Brighton signed Ferguson to a new long-term contract in November, with his terms at the Amex due to run until June 2029, but there remains speculation surrounding his future.
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Seagulls CEO Paul Barber recently suggested that the teenager could be on the move in the near future, with the club expected to struggle to keep him due to the number of clubs showing an interest.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Man United are in a four-way battle for his signature with fellow Premier League clubs Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal.
A mid-season move is seen as almost impossible, but Erik ten Hag's side could allegedly make an attempt to sign him during next summer's transfer window.
Man United spent big on Rasmus Hojlund during the recent transfer window, but the Denmark international is still waiting to score his first Premier League goal, with his five efforts this term coming in the Champions League.
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Hojlund could soon be the only recognised centre-forward at Old Trafford, meanwhile, as Anthony Martial is set to leave the club next year.
Man United have the option to activate a 12-month extension in his contract, but a recent report claimed that is unlikely to happen, so he is likely to leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
Jadon Sancho is also set to leave next year due to his fall-out with Ten Hag, meaning that bringing in at least one new attacker is a priority for the club.
Brighton, though, would allegedly be looking for a British-record transfer fee in order to sell Ferguson, with the club in a strong position to demand a high price.
Ferguson was an unused substitute in his side's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Thursday evening, when Danny Welbeck's late header earned De Zerbi's side a point in the M23 derby.
Matt Law
