West Ham ‘close in on Evan Ferguson deal’ after Brighton green light
West Ham are getting closer to signing Evan Ferguson after Brighton gave the green light for him to go on loan, according to the club’s former scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as a senior scout at the London Stadium until leaving alongside David Moyes and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the deal would make sense for all three parties.
This came after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 November that the Ireland international wants to quit Brighton in January in search of increased playing time.
However, any deal was delayed as Brighton were undecided about his future.
A loan move has been preferred to a permanent deal this month, as they look to plug the gap left by injuries to Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug.
Now, West Ham’s chances of landing Ferguson have been boosted by his availability and they are set to step up their efforts to complete a deal before the 3 February deadline.
West Ham lead race for Evan Ferguson after Brighton decision
Brighton are now prepared to let the striker leave on loan and continue his development elsewhere after starting just two Premier League games under Fabian Hurzeler.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the move would be ideal for all parties, while Potter is keen on a reunion with his former player.
“Brighton are willing to let him leave on loan now,” he told Football Insider.
“That’s a big boost to West Ham, because he’s a player they’ve been after.
“A loan would be their preference because it would give them the opportunity to see how he does in their side while Antonio and Fullkrug are out.
“Then, if there’s a deal to be done at the end of the season they might look to do that.
“Potter obviously knows him well from his time at Brighton and I have no doubt that will play a part in the deal and probably give West Ham the advantage.
“Plus, it’ll let Ferguson keep playing in the Premier League which is where he wants to be.
“It’s a deal that makes a lot of sense for all three parties, so I think West Ham are going to push to get that one done while they can.”
In other news, Lucas Paqueta accused of “cheating” v Aston Villa.
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