Evan Ferguson won't be sold for at least five years claims Brighton and Hove Albion CEO Paul Barber.
The Irish teenager is one of the hottest prospects in Europe and began his season with a bang on Saturday hitting the post and scoring the fourth in a 4-1 win over Luton.
Since bursting onto the scene earlier this year, Ferguson has earned huge praise from the likes of Alan Shearer, while Gary Lineker believes the Bettystown native could be the man to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur.
READ MORE: Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool chasing Irish 'Golden Child'
The 18-year-old has been linked with a move to Spurs and Manchester United in recent months, though a monumental fee would be needed given the fact that he only signed a new long-term contract at the backend of last season. And while numerous clubs are interested in the youngster, Barber has warned clubs that Brighton plan to keep the teenager at the club for many years.
"In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time," Barber told TalkSPORT show The Sports Breakfast.
“Ultimately it’s going to be a collective decision but it’s driven by the technical staff and we’re relying on them to make those judgements regarding the players’ development.
“There are times when it’s better for us to keep a player in and around our first team group, training with us and getting the odd first team appearance from the bench or in cup games, while on other occasions it’s better for them to go out on loan in Europe and others it’s better for them to stay in this country and be somewhere where we can keep a far closer eye on them.
“For those decisions, Tony and I leave them to the technical staff and we only really get involved when we get to the financial decisions and where we go next.
“It’s a combined effort, it’s a team effort and we’re as much of a team off the pitch as we are on it and Tony and I both believe that we’ve got to work collaboratively and effectively, but ultimately, Roberto De Zerbi is making the big calls when it comes to the playing squad.”
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