Transfer Centre

Chelsea to battle Manchester United for Evan Ferguson?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 November 2023

Chelsea join Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in expressing an interest in signing Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson, according to a report.

Chelsea are reportedly determined to be in any race which might occur for the signature of Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson.

The 19-year-old has scored 15 times and registered four assists in 43 appearances for Brighton in all competitions, with his Premier League record standing at 11 goals and two assists in 31 outings.

Ferguson's future was the subject of speculation over the summer, with Manchester United believed to have failed with an offer for the Republic of Ireland international before moving for Rasmus Hojlund.

The teenager has made a strong start to the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, netting five times in 11 appearances, and it was announced earlier this month that he had signed a new long-term deal at the Amex.

Ferguson's contract with Brighton now runs until June 2029, but it is expected that he will leave the Seagulls before that point due to the growing interest in his services.

Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson on August 12, 2023 © Reuters

A recent report claimed that Man United remain interested in his signature, while Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be keeping a close eye on his development.

Brighton would allegedly want a British-record transfer fee to consider selling Ferguson, who is viewed as one of the brightest young prospects in the Premier League.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are also 'huge admirers' of Ferguson and will attempt to be in the race for his signature when he does eventually come to leave Brighton.

Chelsea director of Global Talent and Transfers Paul Winstanley and chief analyst Kyle Macaulay have previously worked for Brighton, and the capital outfit are allegedly hopeful that their links with the Seagulls will put them in a strong position to sign the youngster.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson celebrates scoring their third goal with Kaoru Mitoma on September 2, 2023 © Reuters

The Blues are expected to move for a new centre-forward next year, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen also thought to be firmly on their radar.

Nicolas Jackson, who arrived at the club from Villarreal over the summer, is the team's leading goalscorer this season with seven in 14 appearances in all competitions.

Raheem Sterling has five, while Cole Palmer has chipped in with four goals since his arrival from Manchester City, but the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Armando Broja have found it difficult to impress, while Christopher Nkunku is yet to make his debut for the club due to a knee injury.

Chelsea have struggled for consistency in the Premier League this season, only picking up 16 points from their 12 matches, which has left them down in 10th position in the table.

Mauricio Pochettino's side, who drew 4-4 with Manchester City in the league last time out, will return to action away to Newcastle United next weekend.