Are Brighton set to sanction loan move for Ireland's Evan Ferguson?

Brighton boss Fabian Huerzler is a fan but there is also an awareness at the AmEx that the Irish attacker is behind the likes of Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro in the forward pecking order, although any injuries between now and January could change the picture again. 

New manager Fabian Huerzler has a talent who is back fit and keen for game time but Ferguson who is 20, has only started one Premier League game this season - the club’s away win against Newcastle United in October, and has scored one goal. He is regarded as one of Brighton's prize young jewels and much coveted.

Brighton lie fifth in the Premier League on the same points as third-placed Chelsea, and it has been difficult for Ferguson to get the minutes he needs. Leicester City, Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle United have all struggled for goals this season. Ferguson signed a six-year deal with Brighton in November last year and is likely to stay on loan in the Premier League rather than drop down to the Championship. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with Ferguson in the past.

Brighton do not want to sell one of the best young talents in the Premier League, whose progress has been checked and stuttering since an ankle ligament injury. He had surgery last April, missed some pre-season and with a change of manager after Roberto Di Zerbi left and was replaced by the League's youngest boss in Huerzler, Ferguson has been struggling for minutes.

He already has 18 senior caps for Ireland and scored the only goal in their Nations League win over Finland this month.