West Ham make Evan Ferguson move as Graham Potter bids to beat David Moyes to Brighton striker

West Ham are hoping to win the race to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, with the Seagulls increasingly likely to let the forward leave this month.

The Hammers’s long-standing interest in Ferguson is well-known and has only been amplified since the appointment of Graham Potter, under whom the player made his initial Brighton breakthrough.

Ferguson remains the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Everton, whose manager David Moyes admired the Irishman during his time in charge of West Ham.

Bundesliga clubs and French side Marseille, who are managed by another of Ferguson’s former Brighton coaches in Roberto de Zerbi, have also been linked with a move.

A loan exit for the remainder of the season appears most likely, though it has been reported that Brighton would even consider a permanent sale.

Ferguson was once rated among the Premier League’s leading prospects but has seen his progress stalled by a series of injuries.

The 20-year-old has made only two Premier League starts this season and has not featured at all since the 1-1 draw with West Ham last month because of an ankle problem, though he has now returned to training.

West Ham are desperate to bolster their attacking options before the window closes next week amid a spate of forward injuries.

Michail Antonio is a long-term absentee following his involvement in an horrific car crash, while Jarrod Bowen is out with a broken foot and Crysencio Summerville is also injured.

Danny Ings is the only fit recognised centre-forward on the club’s books, but Potter has preferred to used Lucas Paqueta in advanced role, with Ings coming off the bench.