Ferguson signed a new long-term deal with Brighton in the summer (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United made a £50million bid for Evan Ferguson during the summer transfer window… an offer that was laughed off by Brighton.
Ferguson emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest young strikers last season, scoring six times in 10 Premier League starts after making his debut in December and notching a further three in the FA Cup.
The Republic of Ireland international has maintained that form during a superb start to the new season with four in five appearances.
United are among the clubs interested in the 18-year-old sensation, who committed to a new long-term contract with Brighton in the summer, signing a deal until 2028.
Erik ten Hag had made the signing of a new striker a top priority during the summer transfer window. Priced out of a move for Harry Kane who joined Bayern Munich in a £100m deal from Tottenham, United eventually signed Rasmus Hojlund in a deal worth £72m from Atalanta.
According to ESPN, United also made a bid for Ferguson but their derisory offer was quickly dismissed.
Brighton have garnered a reputation for being one of the best selling clubs in European football, expertly cashing in on some of the talents developed at the club. Last year they recouped £137m though the sales of Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard, bringing in £187m this summer with Moises Caicedo among those leaving in a British record deal to Chelsea.
Ferguson already thought to be valued at over £100m (Picture: Getty)
United or any other side keen on Ferguson have been warned however it could be ‘at least five years’ before the Seagulls cash in on the Irish star.
‘In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time!,’ Brighton chief executive Paul Barber joked to talkSPORT last month.
‘Ultimately the technical staff are making the key decisions on where a player is in his development, whether he needs more first team games or needs to go on loan or if we need to trade earlier or later.
‘Ultimately it’s going to be a collective decision but it’s driven by the technical staff and we’re relying on them to make those judgements regarding the players’ development.
‘There are times when it’s better for us to keep a player in and around our first team group, training with us and getting the odd first team appearance from the bench or in cup games, while on other occasions it’s better for them to go out on loan in Europe and others it’s better for them to stay in this country and be somewhere where we can keep a far closer eye on them.
‘For those decisions, Tony and I leave them to the technical staff and we only really get involved when we get to the financial decisions and where we go next.
‘It’s a combined effort, it’s a team effort and we’re as much of a team off the pitch as we are on it and Tony and I both believe that we’ve got to work collaboratively and effectively, but ultimately, Roberto De Zerbi is making the big calls when it comes to the playing squad.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag insists he has NEVER been able to pick his first-choice Manchester United XI
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.