Potential transfer boost for Birmingham, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United emerges in striker race | OneFootball

Brighton and Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson has admitted that he would be open to going out on loan if the timing was right, speaking at an FAI Football For All event (via Yorkshire Live).

The 18-year-old has already made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland but only has one competitive appearance to his name so far this season, with that display coming against Forest Green Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

He did score in this clash though and signed a new contract at the Amex Stadium last season to extend his stay on the south coast until the summer of 2024, with the Seagulls deciding to tie one of their most promising assets down to a long-term deal.

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However, he may not be in Roberto De Zerbi’s plans for this season and with this, he could potentially be loaned out when the January transfer window opens.

And he wouldn’t be short of interest either, with the Daily Mail reporting that Birmingham City, Bristol City, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Preston North End and Wigan Athletic are all interested in taking him if he becomes available.

Brighton have particularly close ties with Boro after striking deals involving Aaron Connolly and Matt Clarke this calendar, although it’s currently unclear whether that would put Michael Carrick’s side in pole position to recruit him.

Speaking about his future, Ferguson said: “I think it (a loan) would benefit anyone, it’s just whether the timing is right. I’ll have to chat with the club and see what they want to do.

“That’s what loans are there for, to go out and get experience. If it’s the right thing for me at this moment, then we’ll have a look at it.

“He (De Zerbi) has given me the contract, so I feel like it’s a reward, it’s nice. Maybe he’s talking about going on loan, playing regular games, and getting minutes. Most of the senior lads are playing week in, week out.”

The Verdict:

Birmingham are one side that could certainly benefit from having something different up top and that’s why the addition of Ferguson could be a shrewd one for them, although they would ideally offload one or two of their loanees before that.

It would be difficult to see Bristol City bringing him in because Nigel Pearson hasn’t really used the loan market since his arrival – but you feel his budget is likely to be limited again so he could potentially look at bringing in the Irishman.

Boro would be another attractive option and as mentioned previously, the Seagulls and the Teesside club seem to have a decent relationship, but he isn’t guaranteed to be a regular starter under Carrick.

He isn’t guaranteed to be a starter elsewhere though and this is why Ferguson needs to choose where he goes next with great care – because a lack of game time could severely disrupt his development.

At 18, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he doesn’t play too much but he’s at a delicate stage of his career and this is why he needs to be handled with care by his loan club if he’s given the chance to shine away from the south coast.