Evan Ferguson move now no-brainer for West Ham after Brighton transfer update

West Ham United must pull out all the stops to seal the signature of Evan Ferguson in January after initiating a loan move for the Brighton striker.

Alex Crook reported on 2 January that the Irons have made direct contact with Brighton over a possible move for Ferguson this month, with the Seagulls potentially open to letting the 20-year-old leave.

The Republic of Ireland international has burst onto the scene across the last two seasons but only has one goal in 12 so far this term, yet that doesn't seem to be putting off the Hammers' pursuit of him.

With Michail Antonio out of hospital following his car accident and now set to begin a long road to recovery, signing a number nine is paramount for Julen Lopetegui to turn his side's form around.

Evan Ferguson can rediscover early-career form with West Ham

Injury setbacks and increased competition in an increasingly impressive Brighton team has seen a reduction in Ferguson's minutes at the Amex, but he could find a new lease of life in East London.

The first half of the season has been very much hit-and-miss for the Hammers, with Lopetegui's side comfortably clear of relegation trouble despite racking up several heavy defeats along the way.

While Jarrod Bowen in particular has proven a reliable source of goals regardless of where he plays – including four game-winning strikes – the captain's injury leaves Lopetegui massively short of firepower.

Antonio's long-term absence, Niclas Fullkrug's injury battles, and Danny Ings clearly being on a downward trajectory from his distant peak, means signing a striker is essential this month.

Ferguson's form doesn't suggest he's the player to pick the Irons up by their bootstraps, but it's been a long time since the London Stadium were cheering on a young number nine with the world at his feet.

In other West Ham news, Gabby Agbonlahor singled out one Irons star in the wake of their 5-0 hammering by Liverpool.

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