Four Premier League clubs in the running to sign Evan Ferguson

"We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks."

The 20-year-old has just 12 appearances for Brighton this season, with four starts and one goal, while manager Fabian Hurzeler has been clear that loaning the striker would be beneficial to the Seagulls.

However, with concerns over the fitness of Danny Welbeck - who has played the last three games for Brighton after missing five matches - progress stalled somewhat.

A report from talkSPORT has stated that West Ham United remain the front-runners for the Meath man's signature, with his former Brighton boss Graham Potter in charge at the Hammers.

The London club have struggled this season, and Ferguson would likely see significant game time.

Potter previously said about Ferguson: “He’s a player, that’s not a West Ham player, and until he’s a West Ham player I won’t speak about anybody.

“We’ve got enough good players here and they’re my focus at the moment.”

Everton and Bournemouth are also in the race, while Arsenal remain an outside bet.

The Gunners are reeling after a serious cruciate ligament injury to forward Gabriel Jesus, with their struggles in front of goal all season helping league-leaders Liverpool keep them at arm's length.

Boss Mikel Arteta said: "We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks, and they recognise the situation; we all do.

“That's why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team; that's our intention.

"I always do it [ask his players about transfer targets], especially if they know them because that's getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying, and it is real."

However, with Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto already on loan, they would have to sign Ferguson on a permanent deal.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Bundesliga clubs 'have made contact' with Brighton, while French website FOOTMERCATO have said that Marseille are also interested.

Ferguson's former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi in in charge in the south of France, and after recently losing forward Elye Wahi to Eintracht Frankfurt, he is in search of reinforcements.

He said: "If Wahi leaves, a strong player will arrive. It's difficult in winter, but I expect a strong replacement. We'll have a striker! Who? I think we'll find him."