Man Utd’s former £50m transfer target set for loan move after fall from grace

Brighton frontman Evan Ferguson will be allowed to leave on loan in January after continuing to be overlooked by Fabian Hurzeler.

The Republic of Ireland striker had a meteoric rise through the first-team ranks and looked set to become a mainstay, but the new man in the dugout has only used him sporadically and Ferguson is now deep down the pecking order at the Amex.

Ferguson only signed a six-year deal in November last year, which was seen as a coup for the club as big players were making the rounds, but now the 20-year-old is behind Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter and Joao Pedro in the club's minds. Hurzeler, who has given him just one start.

Manchester United pondered a £50million move for Ferguson late in the summer, even after securing the signature of Joshua Zirkzee. Goals have continued to be a problem for them this season and after the change of manager there will likely be another striker on their shortlist.

The Irishman is desperate for more playing minutes and to aid his development the Seagulls are said to be willing to let Ferguson leave on loan in the new year, the Telegraph reports. They view him as a £60million asset, but there are several clubs keen to sign him, even if only for a few months. United themselves are likely to pursue Viktor Gyokeres, but could see Ferguson as a strong alternative.

Brighton's impressive form makes it difficult to criticize Hurzeler's selection decisions. Injuries have slowed Ferguson's progress this year, but he has shown his quality. His hat-trick against Newcastle last September means he is only the fourth 18-year-old in Premier League history to score a treble.

The Seagulls have no intention of selling their striker, but his progress has clearly stalled. That wasn't helped by injury, which saw him miss much of pre-season under Hurzeler after being a favorite of former manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Brighton boss claimed Ferguson had “a really big future ahead of him” when he put pen to paper on a new contract at the end of last year. The club's technical director David Weir added: “Evan is a brilliant young talent and we are delighted for him. .

“He has shown his capabilities at club and international level after joining the team at the start of this year, and we look forward to working with him and following his continued progress.”

Brighton currently sit fifth, one point behind second-placed Manchester City, as Hurzeler continues to impress in the early stages of his tenure. He has helped Welbeck discover his best form, with the ex-Manchester United frontman scoring six times for the Seagulls.