West Ham handed massive transfer boost as club now ready to sell highly sought after 20y/o target – report

West Ham United are keeping a close eye on Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, who could be set for a permanent exit this month.

According to The Athletic, Brighton are open to selling the 20-year-old striker if the right offer comes along amid widespread interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe.

Brighton have been reluctant to sanction a permanent sale all winter but have now shifted their stance with a few days remaining in the transfer window.

According to multiple reports, Brighton have already turned down a permanent bid for Ferguson, but he could still leave the club before the transfer window closes.

West Ham are one of several clubs linked with a move for Ferguson.

A potential move to the London Stadium will reunite the Republic of Ireland international with Graham Potter, who gave him his first-team debut during his spell at Brighton.

The Hammers are in dire need of a striker to bolster their attacking options, with Potter forced to work with a squad lacking depth and decimated by injuries.

Snapping up Ferguson from under the noses of other top clubs across the continent would be a major coup by the Hammers, but they need to act fast.

Premier League rivals Everton and Bournemouth are also in the mix.

Ligue 1 giants Olympique Marseille are exploring a loan deal that would reunite Ferguson with Roberto De Zerbi.

Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have also expressed an interest in Ferguson, who is seen as a potential replacement for Al Nassr-bound Victor Boniface.

The Irish striker has struggled for playing time at Brighton this season, returning just one goal in 373 minutes of first-team football across all competitions.

Despite his struggles, Ferguson is still seen as a hot prospect with plenty of potential, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up before the February 3 deadline.