Manchester United have reportedly not given up on signing Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson.
Ever since the attacker started to make an impact in the Premier League, he has been heavily linked with a transfer to a bigger club.
The 19-year-old has already scored 15 goals and contributed four assists during his 43 appearances for Brighton in all competitions.
However, months after it was suggested that the Seagulls would only consider bids in the region of £100m, the Republic of Ireland international penned a new long-term contract at the Amex Stadium.
As a result, Ferguson is now tied to Brighton until 2029, effectively ensuring that only a nine-figure offer will tempt his current club into a future sale.
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There are minimal clubs who will be prepared to meet those demands, particularly when there are other proven strikers on the market.
Nevertheless, given his age, Ferguson still represents an option for the bigger teams in Europe if they wish to find a number nine who could theoretically hold down the main position in attack for years to come.
According to Football Insider, that is an opinion that United continue to hold about Ferguson.
Earlier this year, the Red Devils committed to paying over £70m to get a deal for Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund over the line, with the 20-year-old also viewed as a long-term option.
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That said, like with Ferguson, there remains a rawness about the Denmark international and United would seemingly be prepared to complement his attributes with Ferguson if an opportunity arose.
For the time being, United are far more focused on improving their standing with FFP, the Premier League giants in no position to pay extravagant amounts of money on another centre-forward at this time.
Club officials would theoretically have to cash in on Jadon Sancho and part ways with Anthony Martial before they can even consider adding further options in the final third, particularly of a certain profile of player.
In the short term, though, Brighton and Ferguson are expected to shun any offers, the South Coast outfit currently competing in the Europa League and challenging to finish in the top seven of the Premier League for the second season in a row.
Darren Plant
