Evan Ferguson future becomes clearer as Brighton position puts clubs on red alert

Evan Ferguson is set for a January exit from Brighton, with the Premier League side willing to sanction a loan deal for the Ireland striker.

New Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler is conscious of Ferguson’s struggles for game-time and is eager that the Meathman’s progress is not stalled any further by a lack of first-team opportunities.

Ferguson has made just one start so far in the Premier League and has notched one goal, while he has also made six substitute appearances.

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So Hurzeler is happy for the 20-year-old to make a short-term move away from Brighton in the new year, according to reports in England.

Ferguson has found himself behind Danny Wellbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro in the pecking order, with the trio starting last weekend’s win against Bournemouth.

It was their first appearance as an attacking three and they impressed, with Giorginio saying afterwards: “For the first goal we like to play like this, and we do it a lot in training. It worked well and we enjoyed it.”

A flurry of clubs have come into the mix in recent days ahead of the January transfer window, with most ready to agree to loan terms.

They include Fulham, Leicester, West Ham and Championship side Burnley. Newcastle are the latest name linked with Ferguson, with their issues in front of goal hurting them badly so far this season.

They have managed to find the net just 13 times in 12 Premier League games and are 10th in the table.

Leicester haven’t fared much better, with just 15 goals, are in need of some inspiration in attack, while Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug has struggled to settle in at West Ham.

Brighton remain unwilling to sell Ferguson, while an injury to any of their current front-three ahead of the January window would lead to a rethink regarding a loan departure.

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