Manchester United may have been handed a major boost ahead of the January transfer window.
United have been linked with several potential new signings in recent months, with one of them being Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. It was reported by the Daily Star in August that United were weighing up a move to sign the Republic of Ireland international but would face competition from Chelsea.
United were reportedly considering a £50million bid to sign Ferguson, who scored six goals in 36 appearances last season. Brighton were reported to value Ferguson at £60million at the time, but now their stance has seemingly changed.
The Telegraph has reported that Brighton are willing to let Ferguson leave the Amex Stadium in January on loan for the remainder of the season. After valuing the 20-year-old at £60million just three months ago, it seems that the Seagulls want to give Ferguson more playing time after giving him just nine appearances with three starts under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.
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United have been heavily linked with signing a striker in recent months, and the update on Ferguson’s future could be the perfect opportunity for the club to strengthen a key position. However, the signing of Ferguson could present questions for two members of the United squad.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are United’s current centre forward options, but have scored just three goals between them this season. Zirkzee was signed by United last summer from Bologna in a deal worth up to €42.5million (£35.5million).
Should United sign Ferguson, then it would leave United with a decision to make regarding the futures of Zirkzee and Hojlund. In Zirkzee’s case, the striker has been linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.
Ferguson would perform in a centre-forward role for United, likely with two wide forwards on either wing. They could be Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo or Antony, who are all options to play in the forward areas.
Potential United line-up after Evan Ferguson signing: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Ugarte; Fernandes, Ferguson, Garnacho
