Evan Ferguson linked with Premier League and Championship clubs

The young man needs regular game time.

TEAMtalk understands that the Meath native is not wanted on a permanent basis by the Hammers, and that his parent club, Brighton, are looking to sell him for around £45 million.

The 20-year-old has struggled over the last few seasons, and it was thought that a move away from the Seagulls would reignite his career.

However, since moving to the London club in February, game time has been just as hard to come by, and he has been an unused substitute in their last two games.

The report also says that Championship-leaders Leeds United could attempt to sign Ferguson if they are promoted to the Premier League next season, and if striker Patrick Bamford departs.

Back in February, West Ham boss Graham Potter, who previously managed the youngster at Brighton, was asked about signing Ferguson on a permanent basis.

He said: "I don’t think we should think like that. We should think about how we can help Evan enjoy his football, bring the quality that we know he has. Let’s just focus on that. Let’s focus on having the best 14 matches we can.

“Sometimes with young players we jump in too quickly. I think until you’ve made 50 appearances, it’s always a good number to go: ‘OK, now we can assess where things are.’ And if you’ve had some injuries it’s not easy.

“We had huge belief in him. But injuries can stop you and all of a sudden you haven’t played as much, you haven’t scored as much and then you’re not quite the same thing. But the quality is still there. It’s our job to get him on the pitch, help him enjoy his football.”