‘Strong’ Man Utd and Tottenham interest to spark imminent striker deal, with ‘silly’ offer cited

Man Utd and Tottenham are both showing ‘strong’ interest in a striker tipped to become a “European great”, and a report has revealed a deal could be struck before April is out.

When searching for how to expertly navigate the transfer market in recent seasons, you need not look further than Brighton.

The Seagulls have sold the likes of Ben White, Marc Cucurella and Yves Bissouma for huge profits. However, rather than tumble down the table after losing their finest stars, the opposite has transpired.

Indeed, Roberto De Zerbi has Brighton knocking on the door of European qualification. Key to his success has been the club’s recruitment policy and specifically who’s been drafted in when big names have left.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Kauro Mitoma have all been bought with the funds generated from previous sales. All three have developed into superb Premier League players and if sold today, would each command well in excess of £50m.

Another, even more extreme example of Brighton’s prowess in the window is that of striker Evan Ferguson.

The Ireland international was plucked from Bohemians in January of 2021 with Brighton beating Liverpool to his signature at the time. After honing his craft in the youth ranks, the 18-year-old has burst onto the scene this year.

Ferguson has eight goals and three assists to his name in 18 senior appearances this term. What makes those figures all the more impressive is the fact he’s operating at a goal contribution every 87 minutes.

De Zerbi has already backed Ferguson to become a “European great”, though his exploits have unsurprisingly attracted attention from outside of Brighton.

Indeed, the Daily Mail report Newcastle and Chelsea like what they’ve seen, though it’s Man Utd and Tottenham showing the strongest interest.

United are on the hunt for one or possibly two new strikers this summer. The idea behind signing Ferguson would see him installed as back-up to a more established star like Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen.

Another who could fill that role if Ferguson eluded Erik ten Hag is Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun.

Spurs, meanwhile, want Ferguson to be Kane’s understudy in north London. With Kane turning 30 in July, Ferguson would learn on the job from the master before going on to supplant him when the time comes.

However, per the Mail, Ferguson could become off limits before the month of April is out.

Man Utd, Spurs interest jolts Brighton into action

That’s because Brighton are ‘hopeful’ of agreeing a lucrative new deal with their star striker that will better reflect his growing influence in the first-team. All being well, pen will be put to paper before the calendar flicks over to May.

Of course, signing a new deal won’t prevent Man Utd and Spurs from trying their hand in the market. However, it will protect Brighton’s bargaining position and it’s also suggested Ferguson has no plans to leave the AMEX just yet anyway.

Brighton too don’t wish to cash in on Ferguson so soon either. The report adds only a ‘silly’ offer would cajole them into parting ways with their newest prized asset.

What’s more, Ferguson is seemingly aware the regular minutes he’s getting is doing wonders for his development.

As good as he is for someone aged just 18, it’s highly unlikely he’ll get the same chances to start so frequently at Spurs or United given the stiffer competition for places.

As such, all the signs point towards Ferguson remaining on the south coast until at least the end of next season.

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