Evan Ferguson’s short-term future might be clear as mud, with the Ireland striker’s fitness adding another dollop of uncertainty to his prospects of securing a January move away from Brighton.

But a clearer picture may well emerge in the coming days, with two Premier League clubs strongly linked with the Meathman’s former manager.

Graham Potter handed Ferguson his first-team breakthrough in English football almost three and a half years ago when he threw the Irishman on late in Brighton’s League Cup win against Cardiff City.

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He was still in charge when Ferguson appeared again in the FA Cup against West Brom and Tottenham, and when he made his Premier League debut against Burnley.

Both Everton and West Ham are rumoured to be strongly considering managerial changes - with Potter linked with both clubs.

A picture emerged on social media on Monday of the out-of-work manager speaking to West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten.

This sparked a wave of speculation that under-pressure Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui was on the verge of being sacked, just six months into his reign.

The Londoners are currently 14th in the Premier League, behind Manchester United on goal-difference, and last weekend they were stuffed 4-1 by Manchester City.

Everton, meanwhile, are six points and two places behind West Ham, and their manager Sean Dyche is increasingly under the cosh.

Potter has been linked with both clubs, with reports suggesting that there could be movement on the former Chelsea manager’s future within days.

And with both clubs already linked with January moves for Ferguson, the arrival of the man who handed the Ireland international his big break in English football at either club would put them in pole position, should Brighton agree to either loan or sell him.

Ferguson, who played first-team football with Bohemians in the League of Ireland before moving to Brighton, is in need of a fresh challenge.

Before his latest injury - a foot complaint that Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler described, worryingly, as “not an easy issue” - Ferguson had made just two starts and 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.

His current injury means he cannot capitalise on Danny Welbeck’s lay-off.

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