Chelsea set sights on Ferguson as they look to use inside knowledge

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

18th Nov, 2023 | 8:00am

Sources: Chelsea set sights on Evan Ferguson as they look to use inside knowledge to secure deal

Chelsea are huge admirers of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (13 November) that the Seagulls have brought the teenager in line with other top earners at the club with his new deal.

Ferguson, 19, put pen to paper on a new agreement running until June 2029 last week (10 November).

But Chelsea, who have significant Brighton connections within the recruitment staff following their raid on the south coast club last year (2022), are well-informed on his talents.

It is believed they are continuing to monitor his situation with a view to using that inside knowledge to seal a potential deal in the near future.

Director of Global Talent and Transfers Paul Winstanley and chief analyst Kyle Macaulay are among the ex-Brighton staff to hold a key role behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Football Insider revealed on 15 November that Man United are also big admirers of Ferguson following his stunning breakthrough for the Seagulls.

Both sides are vying to bolster their strike force despite moving for new forwards in recent transfer windows.

Ferguson, 19, has managed five goals in 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

The Republic of Ireland international notched his first Premier League goal against Arsenal in December 2022 and has already gone on to hit 11 in the English top flight despite his tender age.

Football Insider revealed on 12 November that Chelsea are eyeing a striker signing ahead of the January transfer window despite the recent good form of Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegal international is the Blues’ top scorer with seven goals so far in the 2023-24 campaign but has been widely criticised for his erratic finishing by fans and pundits alike.

In other news, Chelsea boss Pochettino opens door for Tottenham to sign star he wants out.