Transfer Guru: West Ham step up chase for Evan Ferguson

West Ham are accelerating a loan move for Brighton star Evan Ferguson in the January transfer window, according to the club’s former scout.

Mick Brown, who worked as a senior scout at the London Stadium until he left alongside David Moyes in June, and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that Michail Antonio’s injury has forced them to turn to the market.

This comes after the club confirmed Antonio underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on 7 December.

As a result, they have been left short of options up front, with Jarrod Bowen asked to fill in during the 2-1 win against Wolves at the London Stadium.

Instead of viewing that as a long-term change, the Hammers are expected to look for improvements in the transfer window.

Ferguson, 20, has started just three Premier League games so far this season and has played just 368 minutes of football, leading to speculation over his future.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 November that the Brighton star wants to leave in January in search of increased playing time.

West Ham are now thought to be keen to offer the Ireland international a shot at regular minutes in the Premier League, as he fits the profile of striker they have been looking for.

West Ham eye January loan move for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson

The Hammers were believed to have already been interested in adding to Julen Lopetegui’s options at centre-forward, but their efforts have accelerated after the Antonio news.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that Ferguson’s availability has put a number of clubs on alert.

“Plenty of clubs are aware of Ferguson’s availability,” he told Football Insider.

“And I’m told West Ham are among them, because they were already looking for a striker before Antonio’s situation came up, so I’d expect them to be even more-so now.

“He’s got a very good reputation as a young player, but he’s at a stage where he needs to prove himself.

“If he’s not going to play regularly in the Brighton team, he’s got to go somewhere where he can play first-team football and show what he can do.

“From what I understand, West Ham would be prepared to offer him that opportunity.

“Ferguson is spoken about very highly and there is a lot of interest in him.

“But he fits the bill for West Ham with his style of play, and he’s a big lad as well, not afraid to get stuck in. That’s what they want in Antonio’s absence.

“Going out on loan is a must for him in January, it’s a move he needs to make.

“So I’m expecting him to leave Brighton and I’m expecting West Ham to make a move.”

In other news, Graham Potter has been spotted at a number of West Ham games.

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The post Transfer Guru: West Ham step up chase for Evan Ferguson appeared first on Football Insider.