‘West Ham now favourites to complete Evan Ferguson deal’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has revealed West Ham are “favourites” to seal a late-window move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested Graham Potter may hold the key to signing the 20-year-old after their time together at the Amex Stadium.
Football Insider revealed back in November that Ferguson was seeking a Brighton exit to secure more playing time, but it was expected that the south coast club would only let him depart on loan.
However, The Athletic has reported in recent days (28 January) that the Seagulls are “open to the possibility” of selling the Republic of Ireland international permanently.
West Ham have been widely linked with Ferguson, who worked with new Irons boss Graham Potter at Brighton.
Danny Ings is currently the only senior striker for the London Stadium outfit, who are missing Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio through injury.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “They’ve been linked with Evan Ferguson at Brighton, who worked with Potter before.
“West Ham are the favourites to get him, but there are a lot of clubs after this kid.
“There are a lot of clubs after strikers.
“It’s going to be a really busy few days up to the deadline, with lots of calls being made to try and get deals over the line.
“A lot of CFOs are being asked – ‘What would it do to the budget and to PSR if we had to spend an extra £20million?’
“I think West Ham will get Ferguson because of Potter’s relationship with him, but it won’t be an easy one.”
In other news, West Ham’s plan to sign striker revealed after talks twist.
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