Man Utd’s Gyokeres transfer alternative already warned off January move

Manchester United have already been told to abandon a move for Evan Ferguson, while he has also been given a warning by a former Red Devils flop.

The Old Trafford club will be looking for a new striker in January, with their scoring statistics so far this season not exactly cheerful. Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres is among those linked with a move to Manchester.

The move would see him reunited with former boss Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. But in recent days, an ideal alternative has emerged in the form of Evan Ferguson.

It has been suggested that his current side, Brighton, are open to loaning him out in January after limited opportunities so far this season. The Red Devils have been regularly linked with the Irish forward, with rumors claiming last summer that they were considering a £50 million bid.

But United's chiefs have already been warned of another attack by ex-striker Teddy Sheringham. Earlier this year he said: “Is he the kind of signing Manchester United should make? I don't think he is.

“I don't think United want to add him to the squad. He is 19 and has great potential. United have already signed a similar player in Rasmus Højlund, who is a few years older, so he is not the player the club thinks should want to take me over right now.

“He's too young. He's too inexperienced. Manchester United don't need any more inexperienced, inconsistent players this season. If they want to add a striker it needs to be someone with a proven track record who can come in and hit the ground .” run.”

Should United pursue a move for Ferguson, he would not be the first striker to sign a loan deal in January. The Red Devils also signed Odion Ighalo and Wout Weghorst in the winter.

The Dutchman joined midway through the 2022/23 season but has scored just two goals in 31 games in all competitions. And he has already spoken out about the difficulties Ferguson could face in sealing a move in January.

Last year the now Ajax striker said: “There was zero adjustment time. The pressure was bizarre and the physical strain was greater than I had ever experienced.

“It was only in the last few months that I felt really comfortable with it. Then I became myself and dared to shake off the shyness. In the period before that I was perhaps too modest.”

The 20-year-old Ferguson has played a total of 73 games for Brighton and scored 17 goals, but only one has come this season. His contract at the Amex Stadium runs until the summer of 2029.