Chelsea left in last-ditch panic as West Ham beat them to new signing

Chelsea have been left scrambling for a new striker as West Ham United have won the transfer race for Evan Ferguson, according to The Sun.

The news outlet reports (2 February) that the Hammers have agreed a loan deal for the 20-year-old with Brighton amid interest from the Blues.

Enzo Maresca's team have consequently been left in a last-ditch panic ahead of the 3 February deadline.

The Irishman is set for his Irons medical on Sunday (2 February) as he turned down several options to reunite with Graham Potter.

West Ham United pull off transfer coup with Evan Ferguson

It's not every day that the East London club can say that they got the better of Chelsea, especially when it comes to transfers.

The Blues are one of the biggest teams in the Premier League, and the allure of playing at Stamford Bridge will be tempting for any player.

Potter will evidently be breathing a sigh of relief as the Hammers have beaten his former club to the signing of Ferguson, which was desperately needed.

West Ham are without Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio, with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville also on the sidelines.

It was apparent that the Irons needed to bolster their attack in the winter window, and while it's taken them this long, it's better late than never.

Ferguson has struggled for minutes at Brighton this season, but the 20-year-old has showcased his talent at Amex in the recent past.

Potter seems to be the right man to get the best out of the Republic of Ireland international once again, and it will be interesting to see whether any loan deal will be made permanent in the summer.

In other West Ham news, a £29.5million twist has emerged in the bid to sign Liam Delap.

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