Evan Ferguson transfer: West Ham want loan-to-buy deal in ‘major’ Brighton talks
West Ham United are preparing a move to sign Brighton star Even Ferguson on a loan-to-buy deal, according to TEAMtalk.
The online news outlet reported on Tuesday (21 January) that there are obstacles to overcome before a deal can be agreed upon, such as Brighton remaining uncertain whether to sanction a move, but the door remains open with a permanent transfer option a “major” part of talks with the Seagulls.
As per David Ornstein (20 January), the Irons tried and failed with a £57 million offer to sign long-standing transfer target Jhon Duran, which Aston Villa swiftly rejected.
Therefore, West Ham will now focus on another long-term transfer target and aim to blow the competition out of the water with a permanent offer for the loan-listed forward.
West Ham United now push to sign Evan Ferguson
David Sullivan has shown his hand at the London Stadium and must now bring a marquee signing to East London in the winter transfer window.
The Hammers chairman has no excuses not to provide Graham Potter the firepower he needs ahead of a potential relegation battle this year.
However, it will be no easy feat to pry the Republic of Ireland international from the Amex, with Premier League rivals Arsenal, Everton and Bournemouth monitoring developments alongside Championship leaders Leeds United.
Despite Ferguson playing a bit-part role this term on the South Coast, his potential will undoubtedly drive up his valuation, and the Irons must become comfortable with paying over the odds for a player who has scored only once in 12 outings thus far.
Nevertheless, West Ham is without an available forward option, with Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, and Jarrod Bowen on the sidelines – Potter knows all about Ferguson’s quality from his time coaching the forward at Brighton.
Should the Seagulls prefer a loan deal, this will not dissuade the approach, but an obligatory or optional purchase option will be insisted upon.
In other West Ham news, the Irons will ‘listen to offers’ as Al Hilal approach a winger.
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