Evan Ferguson to West Ham: Pundit hails potentially 'great signing'

West Ham have been backed to complete the signing of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson during the January transfer window.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well-connected within the game, explained that the striker would be a "great signing" for the Hammers this month.

Graham Potter's appointment as Julen Lopetegui's replacement has also been backed to play a role after his work with Ferguson during their time at Brighton.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 November that the 20-year-old wants to leave the Seagulls after growing unhappy with his lack of game time under Fabian Hurzeler.

However, questions remain over whether Brighton will allow him to leave mid-way through the season amid concerns about Danny Welbeck's questionable fitness record.

West Ham, meanwhile, are desperate to land a striker following Michail Antonio's serious leg injury which has left Niclas Fullkrug and Danny Ings as the only options up top.

West Ham backed to land Evan Ferguson signing after new twist

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown previously told Football Insider that the Hammers planned to step up their interest in Ferguson following Antonio's injury.

Now, Robinson has insisted that Potter will play a key part in the deal while the board are prepared to give him time and investment to build and develop his squad, with the Ireland international backed to join the project.

"Graham Potter is a builder, not a fireman, he wants time," he told Football Insider.

"He wants time to build his squad. You see what he's done in previous jobs, he's built Brighton, he builds a team, he builds a squad and it takes time.

"He's not somebody who comes in in six months and turns the club around immediately.

"He evolves players, look at where he was was when he took over Brighton and look where he took them.

"Evan Ferguson would be a great option for them, whether Brighton would be willing to do a deal or not would be another thing.

"West Ham have to get a striker in this window, whoever it is."

In other news, West Ham set sights on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

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