Man Utd keeping close eye on Evan Ferguson's rapid development at Brighton
ON TARGET: Evan Ferguson during Republic of Ireland training in Abbotstown.
Man Utd are already eyeing a move for Brighton's Republic of Ireland teenage starlet Evan Ferguson, say UK media reports.
The Meath man only signed his first pro contract when he turned 18 last October, but his first international goal on his Republic debut last Wednesday against Latvia will only heighten interest in his talents.
The footballinsider247.com website says United have sent scouts to Brighton's AMEX Stadium as they prepare a portfolio for a summer move. Ferguson has made ten Premier League appearances for Brighton so far this season and has scored three goals and provided two assists in those outings. He also netted twice in the FA Cup last Sunday against Grimsby, moving BBC pundit Danny Murphy to label him “a superstar”.
He will have a global audience to showcase his talents on Monday night as Stephen Kenny's Ireland host beaten World Cup finalists France in a Euro 2024 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium
United also have "concrete interest" in 20-year-old Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who plays for Atalanta, say reports from his native country. In other transfer gossip, Brighton will not allow manager Roberto de Zerbi to leave if Tottenham want him to replace their current boss, fellow Italian Antonio Conte, itis reported.
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse will definitely leave the club this summer if the Saints get relegated, with Tottenham keen to sign him, while Arsenal are among a number of clubs interested in the Saints' Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia, 19. The Gunners' North London rivals Tottenham were impressed by the performance of Sporting's Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte at the Emirates and are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old.
