Premier League club considering surprise move for Evan Ferguson to replace outgoing star

A deadline day move could be on the cards for the Bettystown man.

Ferguson has missed the first two games of Brighton's season due to injury and, with the arrival of Georginio Rutter from Leeds in a £40million deal, it's hard to predict where the Irishman will fit into the Albion forward line when he returns to full fitness.

Brighton forward Joao Pedro sealed a late winner against Manchester United yesterday, and it's hard to imagine a starting line-up that doesn't include the Brazilian and fellow goalscorer in that game, Danny Welbeck, up top.

As a result, the 19-year-old could be open to a move away from the Seagulls in order to secure more game time and ensure his developement this season.

Ferguson, who cemented his place as one of the Premier League's rising stars last season with several impressive performances, has already been heavily-linked with a move to either Chelsea or Manchester United this summer.

Now, the Irish Independent reports that Thomas Frank considers the man from Meath one of his top targets if Ivan Toney completes his big money move to Saudi Arabia in the coming days.

BBC Sport reported on Friday that Brentford had turned down a £35m bid for the 28-year-old from Saudi side Al-Ahli, but it is believed a higher bid could tempt Bees bosses to sell a man who is considered hot property in a modern game whereby top strikers are few and far between.

Despite being spoilt for choice in forward options, Brighton's new manager Fabian Hürzeler insists the Irishman is still in his plans.

In an interview posted on the Brighton & Hove Albion website back in August, the Premier League's youngest ever manager said: "I heard a lot of positive things about him. I saw a lot of positive things and we will try to help him.

"We try to improve him and then he can be a really good striker in the Premier League," he added.

"Evan came back after a long injury, so we have to be very careful. Especially with young players who want to be on the pitch or want to be back as quick as possible. We need to settle them down and then do it step-by-step.

"But he has started training with the team and you can already see why he's here, because he has great abilities and great skills for a striker."

The German coach continued: "For me, the most important thing for a young player – and he's a young player – is his attitude and his character.

“And when I see him working in rehab, on the pitch, beside the pitch, that is impressive. And when we have video meetings, he's really into it. He tries to focus.

“For me, the most important thing for a young player – and he's a young player – is his attitude and his character.

“And when I see him working in rehab, on the pitch, beside the pitch, that is impressive. And when we have video meetings, he's really into it. He tries to focus."