Manchester United are supposedly weighing up a late summer move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
The Red Devils have already added Joshua Zirkzee to their ranks from Bologna this summer, with the Dutchman replacing Anthony Martial after the Frenchman's exit on a free transfer.
Zirkzee joins Rasmus Hojlund as Erik ten Hag's attacking focal points, but the latter is expected to miss up to six weeks of action with the hamstring injury he suffered against Arsenal in pre-season.
Zirkzee was also not considered for his debut in Saturday's Community Shield loss to Manchester City, where Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford started as the front four.
Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho have also dabbled in false-nine duties at Man United, but both men have been heavily linked with exits this summer, and a transfer for the latter is expected to materialise before the deadline.
© Reuters
Man United 'concerned' about Chelsea interest in Ferguson
While the Red Devils are close to concluding a double deal for Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, as well as working on the signing of a new midfielder, they are also thought to be in the market for another striker following Hojlund's injury.
According to the Daily Star, a late approach for Brighton star Ferguson cannot be ruled out, and they would be prepared to offer £50m to bring the 19-year-old to the Theatre of Dreams.
Ferguson has been heralded as one of the Premier League's top teenage talents over the past couple of years, although he only found the back of the net six times in 27 top-flight appearances last season.
Nevertheless, Man United have apparently seen enough of the former Bohemians youngster to decide that he is worth a £50m outlay, and new sporting director Dan Ashworth could be key to a transfer, having overseen Ferguson's move to Brighton in 2021 while working at the Amex.
The Red Devils are supposedly concerned that rivals Chelsea could try to pip them to Ferguson's signature, though, and they are therefore planning to make their move as quickly as possible.
© Reuters
Ferguson reportedly fits the bill in terms of what Man United are looking for from a new striker, as the powers-that-be have vetoed a move for Brentford's 28-year-old hitman Ivan Toney due to his age.
Brighton are under no pressure to sell Ferguson, though, as the 2004-born striker is under contract at the Amex Stadium for another five seasons, having signed a long-term extension back in November.
Should Man United be worried about Chelsea's Ferguson interest?
While Chelsea seemingly hold an interest in every highly-rated teenager to make national or international headlines, Ferguson appears to be lower down the Blues' transfer wishlist than other options.
Enzo Maresca's side are close to the capture of Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion and are still interested in signing Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who has asked to leave the Italian giants.
As a result, only Man United should be standing in Man United's way of a deal for Ferguson before the transfer deadline, although Brighton are never the type to let their star products leave on the cheap.
Ben Knapton
