Evan Ferguson, who made an impression in his debut season, is currently struggling to secure playing time at Brighton, having yet to feature this year.
After a promising campaign in which he netted 11 goals, the 20-year-old Irish striker has faced a string of frustrating injuries, compounded by the presence of Danny Welbeck, João Pedro, and Georginio Rutter, who are all ahead of him in the team’s selection.
Recognizing the need for a fresh start in his young career, Brighton is reportedly open to the idea of letting Ferguson go.
It’s no surprise that a wave of clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille, West Ham, Everton, Tottenham, and Bournemouth, are linked with an interest in the player.
According to The Athletic, while Brighton may be willing to entertain offers, Ferguson’s contract, which extends for over four years, suggests that the Bettystown native will command a huge fee.
Bazunu and Travers Eye Loan Moves
Turning to another Irish player in the Premier League facing injury challenges, Gavin Bazunu could be headed to Serie A club Udinese on loan.
After a lengthy 10-month recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, the 22-year-old goalkeeper has regained full fitness, prompting Southampton’s management to consider sending him out on loan.
“I think that the idea of the club is to give him a loan after his injury,” stated his manager, Ivan Juric. “I think he’s a great goalkeeper, and now we will see in these seven days what will happen.”
Meanwhile, fellow Irish goalkeeper Mark Travers is expected to finalize a loan move to Middlesbrough from Bournemouth after making a trip north for a medical assessment.
Tottenham has expressed interest in Angel Gomes, though any potential transfer may be postponed until summer when the talented England and Lille midfielder becomes available for free.
In other transfer news, Manchester United is reportedly close to acquiring 18-year-old center-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
Despite interest from Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt, Heaven has turned down a new contract with Arsenal and seems poised to join United.
Additionally, United is said to be nearing a deal for Danish left wing-back Patrick Dorgu, anticipated to arrive from struggling Serie A club Lecce for up to £31 million.
Casemiro and Danso in Transfer Headlines
Casemiro, deemed surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, has indicated his willingness to join Roma on loan.
However, reports from Italy suggest that this move depends on Roma’s ability to offload Leandro Paredes, who may return to his childhood club Boca Juniors.
It wouldn’t be surprising if United stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe arranges a private jet to transport Casemiro, who earns £350,000 a week at Old Trafford, to Buenos Aires as part of the deal.
Wolves are actively seeking a central defender and have turned their attention to Kevin Danso of Lens. Despite a rejected bid of £18.5 million for the Austrian defender, Wolves are willing to enhance their offer.
However, any potential transfer could be complicated by Danso’s desire to remain with Lens for now, as he is recovering from an injury.
“Danso doesn’t want to leave,” said Lens manager Will Still. “He is not sabotaging us. He hurt himself in training. He took the ball on his ankle, which twisted and it pulled on his knee.”
