Evan Ferguson has reportedly agreed to sign a new long-term contract with Brighton & Hove Albion amid interest from the likes of Manchester United.
The 18-year-old is enjoying an impressive breakthrough seasons with the Seagulls under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.
Ferguson, who joined Brighton's academy in January 2021, made just four fleeting first-team appearances for the Seagulls last season, including his debut in August 2021 in the EFL Cup.
However, the Republic of Ireland international is now regarded as a key member of De Zerbi's squad, who sit eighth in the Premier League table and are attempting to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.
Ferguson's development this season has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs including the Red Devils, who are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer.
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Man United are believed to be planning a bid for Ferguson ahead of the 2023-24 campaign and have sent scouts to watch the teenager strut his stuff on the South coast throughout this season.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest along with other European clubs competing in the Champions League, but all interested suitors appear to have been handed a major blow in their pursuit of the striker.
According to The Telegraph, Ferguson has agreed fresh terms with Brighton over a new long-term contract to stay at the Amex Stadium.
Ferguson penned his first professional contract until the summer of 2026 when he turned 18 in October, but the Seagulls striker will now be rewarded for his progress in the first team with an extension.
The report adds that Ferguson is expected to stay at Brighton next season and will compete for a regular first-team place in De Zerbi's attack.
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Ferguson missed the FA Cup semi-final defeat on penalties to Man United at Wembley due to an ankle injury, but the youngster is hoping to return to first-team action before the season comes to a close.
Brighton's No.28 is set to become the fifth Seagulls star to sign a new contract with the club since the turn of the year after Solly March, Adam Lallana, Moises Caicedo and Pascal Gross.
Missing out on the signing of Ferguson will come as a blow to Man United, but Erik ten Hag is understood to have a number of other centre-forward targets on his radar including Tottenham talisman Harry Kane.
The Red Devils have allegedly begun the process of potentially luring the England captain to Old Trafford this summer, although completing a deal could prove challenging as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is reluctant to sell his star man to a Premier league rival.
A possible summer swoop for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has also been mooted, with one report claiming that United have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for his signature.
Oliver Thomas
