West Ham United and Bournemouth have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
The 20-year-old has struggled for regular game time under Fabian Hurzeler this season and the Seagulls are now believed to be open to either loaning or selling the Republic of Ireland international in the current transfer window.
According to The Mirror, Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen were the frontrunners to land Ferguson and had made significant progress during discussions with the striker's representatives.
Leverkusen had identified Ferguson as a potential replacement for Victor Boniface, who was close to joining Al-Nassr before his big-money transfer fell through earlier this week, following the Saudi Pro League club's decision to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead.
The German club are now not as desperate to recruit a new striker, and this has seemingly paved the way for both West Ham and Bournemouth to move to the front of the queue for Ferguson's signature.
Some would argue that West Ham - who have already seen a £21m offer for PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi rejected - are slight favourites in the race for Ferguson now that ex-Brighton boss Graham Potter is at the helm.
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Morata heading to Galatasaray?
Over in Italy, AC Milan have reportedly entered advanced talks with Galatasaray over the sale of striker Alvaro Morata.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that all parties are ready to get the deal sealed in 'the next hours', while Morata himself has already given the green light to join Galatasaray.
AC Milan are said to be planning to sell the 32-year-old, with details of an initial loan with an obligation to buy deal currently being finalised between the two clubs.
Morata's illustrious career has already seen him represent five different clubs across three countries, starting off at Real Madrid before playing for Juventus, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and now AC Milan, where he has spent the last 18 months.
The Spaniard has only scored six goals in 25 games this season and Milan are prepared to let him go, as they have eyes on Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez.
It was always Atlanta.
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Almiron returns to Atlanta after six years at Newcastle
Elsewhere, MLS outfit Atlanta United have announced the return of Miguel Almiron on a permanent deal from Newcastle United.
The 30-year-old, who arrived at St James' Park for a reported £21m from Atlanta in January 2019, heads back over to the States in an undisclosed deal which is believed to be worth up to £11m.
Almiron recorded 30 goals and 12 assists in 223 appearances for the Magpies, but he has opted to seek pastures new after falling down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, starting just four of his 14 appearances this season.
"On behalf of the club, I want to thank Miggy for everything he has given us during our time together," Newcastle boss Howe told the club's official website.
"He has been the ultimate professional, and he has been a big part of some of our most memorable moments in recent seasons.
"He is a great person and we'll miss him greatly, but this is the right move at the right time for him and his family and we wish them well."
Almiron returns to an Atlanta side where he scored 22 goals and provided 21 assists in 70 games, and won the MLS Cup in 2018.
Oliver Thomas
