Evan Ferguson is heading to London for a medical ahead of a move to West Ham before the big clash with rival suitors Chelsea.
West Ham’s long search for a new striker looks like it is finally over ahead of the game against Chelsea.
The Hammers have known for some time a new forward would be needed in January.
That was long before long-term injuries sustained by Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been linked all window.
And the 20-year-old Irishman has become West Ham’s prime target since the failed bid for Jhon Duran.
The trouble for the Hammers is that Chelsea have also tried to sign Ferguson this week.
That put West Ham’s hopes in jeopardy of landing the player Graham Potter signed at Brighton.
The relationship between Potter and Ferguson had been cited as a key reason West Ham would beat Chelsea and a host of others to a striker valued north of £100m by Brighton just over a year ago.
Last night West Ham faced the prospect of ending the window empty-handed.
That would have piled pressure on the club’s owners from disgruntled Hammers fans.
West Ham close in on beating Chelsea to Ferguson
But supporters woke up to fantastic news this morning.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth revealed Ferguson is on his way to London today for a medical after West Ham agreed a deal with Brighton to sign the striker on a straight loan until the end of the season.
Sheth states Chelsea were ‘monitoring developments’ but that West Ham had sealed the deal.
West Ham revealed they were competing with 20 clubs for Ferguson earlier this week.
It seems that was the case with Tottenham, Bournemouth, Fulham, Everton and a number of German and Italian teams among those interested.
West Ham fans are divided over reports the deal is only a straight loan.
Some feel it smacks of short-termism and a lack of ambition.
Others feel it is perhaps the most sensible move given Ferguson’s ankle injury issues over the last year.
With a medical taking place today, fans of both West Ham and Chelsea have been speculating about whether he will be able to feature in the game between the London rivals on Monday night.
West Ham fans are desperately hoping Ferguson can be registered in time while Chelsea fans are fearing an inevitable instant impact after losing out on his signature.
Now the Premier League rules are clarified on Ferguson facing Chelsea as West Ham close in.
There is some confusion among supporters online.
Many believe West Ham have until midday on Sunday to register Ferguson in order for him to be in the squad to face Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
Premier League rules clarified on Ferguson facing Chelsea with West Ham
Others have stated the Hammers will be able to register him as long as it is 24 hours before Monday’s 8pm kick-off.
And there has also been a suggestion the Irons have until midday on Monday to deal the deal sheet over to the Premier League in order for Ferguson to make the game.
However, Hammers News can confirm none of those are the case.
Unfortunately for West Ham – and fortunately for Chelsea – the deal would have had to have been done by midday on Friday for Ferguson to be eligible.
Players must be registered with the Premier League by 12pm on the last working day before a match.
In this case that would have been on Friday at 12pm.
To register a player, clubs must send the Premier League all relevant documents, including the contract, transfer agreement and any work permit if necessary.
Ferguson actually played in Brighton’s 7-0 drubbing to Forest on Saturday.
Sussex World labelled Ferguson’s substitute appearance his ‘final contribution’ as they gave him a rating of 3/10.
“Off the bench to replace Welbeck but made little impact,” the report said of Ferguson’s performance after he came on for the last 20 minutes.
“Perhaps his final contribution before leaving on loan or permanent transfer this window.”
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