West Ham enquire about Brighton striker Evan Ferguson | OneFootball

West Ham United have enquired about a potential move for highly-rated Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, according to Sky Sports.

The Hammers desperately need a centre-forward. The West Ham roster has been hit by a spate of injuries, with Michail Antonio recovering from a car accident, Niclas Fullkrug sidelined again, and Jarrod Bowen returning from an injury.

Ferguson is expected to leave the Seagulls on loan before the transfer window closes, sparking a flurry of interest from several clubs. Everton, Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, and Marseille are considering moves for the Republic of Ireland international.

However, West Ham manager Graham Potter wants to bring the 20-year-old to the London Stadium, and they look well-positioned to snap him up.

Potter effusively praised the young striker while he was coming up, recognising his potential. “He is an intelligent player for someone so young,” he said via (the Irish Examiner).

The Irishman burst onto the scene during the 2022/23 season, delivering an impressive 10 goals and three assists in 25 appearances as Brighton secured a Europa League spot for the first time in their history.

His exploits drew attention from heavyweights like Manchester United and Chelsea, prompting Brighton to lock him down with a contract running until 2029. He was tipped to become one of the best strikers in Europe early on, but his career has stagnated.

Despite his remarkable debut campaign, injuries have hampered Ferguson’s progress, and opportunities under new Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler have been limited this season.

With Ferguson slipping down the pecking order, a loan move could provide the perfect platform for the striker to rediscover his form and confidence.

West Ham desperately need reinforcement, and Potter knows Ferguson well from their time together at Brighton. The head coach sees him as a potential solution to lead the line for the Irons.

With West Ham eager to climb into the top half of the Premier League table, the arrival of a proven young talent like Ferguson might be the spark they’re looking for.