Man Utd: Chelsea ‘concern’ means ‘approach’ to sign £50m PL striker is ‘very much on the agenda’

According to reports, Manchester United are ‘ready’ to ‘swoop’ to sign Brighton forward Evan Ferguson, who is also being linked with Chelsea.

The Red Devils have been active in the transfer market this summer, with £90m being invested to sign Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro from Bologna and Lille respectively.

Several players have been offloaded to raise funds for signings and Man Utd have agreed to a “double deal” with Bayern Munich to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Man Utd are also expected to sign a new centre-midfielder, while they could opt to sign another striker.

Earlier this month, a report claimed Man Utd are considering signing a new striker, with head coach Erik ten Hag insistent on landing a new forward.

‘The 20-time champions are exploring the market for a proven centre-forward, and Ivan Toney is on their shortlist.

‘Hojlund’s situation has left United without an orthodox senior striker, and Erik ten Hag is pushing for the club to secure another frontline option who is proven at the highest level.’

READ: Arsenal win Premier League title as impressive Man Utd avoid ‘risk’ against trophy-hoarding City

As mentioned, Toney is a potential option for Man Utd, but they are also looking at Brighton forward Ferguson.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the Premier League. He has 16 goals and five assists in his 65 appearances for Brighton across all competitions.

Ferguson has been heavily linked with Big Six clubs in recent years. But at the end of 2023, he opted to commit his future to Brighton and penned a contract extension until 2029.

However, a report from The Daily Star claims Man Utd are ‘weighing up a move’ to sign Ferguson as they are trying to ‘fend off interest from Chelsea’.

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The report explains.

‘Manchester United are weighing up a late £50million summer swoop for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

‘United have a long-standing interest in the Republic of Ireland forward, 19, and are concerned they could be beaten to his signature by rivals Chelsea. That means an approach for Ferguson is very much on the Old Trafford agenda – before the current transfer window closes at the end of this month.

‘Brentford’s £60m-rated England international Ivan Toney has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford but, at 28, does not fit the club’s new criteria to invest in younger talent.

‘Ferguson, who supported the Red Devils as a kid, most definitely does, which is why United’s new football hierarchy view himas the perfect addition to the set- up.

‘But Brighton are in a strong negotiating position with the player under contract until June 2029. Hence, it will take an offer of £50m-plus from United to tempt them to off-load another of the prized-assets assembled at the Amex Stadium.’