West Ham have responded to reports overnight that the club is in talks with Brighton to sign striker Evan Ferguson.
With the January transfer window open, West Ham were quickly linked with a move for Brighton’s Irish centre-forward Evan Ferguson.
Reports had emerged recently claiming Brighton are looking to offload the 20-year-old this month.
Reliable journalist Sam Wallace claimed at the end of November that Ferguson is available and West Ham are interested.
Better still he said Brighton’s initial terms would suit the Hammers down to the ground and – crucially – Ferguson is desperate for a move to another Premier League club.
Yesterday Hammers News reported on claims that Arsenal and West Ham were in talks with Ferguson over a move to London.
It was reported that the Hammers and Gunners were waiting for an answer from Brighton, who were reportedly keen to include an obligation to buy clause in any loan deal.
Given Ferguson would get guaranteed game time at West Ham – something he is reportedly desperate for having fallen down the pecking order at Brighton – the Hammers were seen as favourites to land him.
West Ham share truth on move for Brighton star Evan Ferguson
Arsenal also already have the maximum two players on loan from Premier League clubs in Raheem Sterling and Neto – ruling out a loan move for them unless one of those is cancelled.
Overnight reports emerged claiming West Ham’s move was progressing quickly.
Journalists Ben Jacobs, Alex Crook and Graeme Bailey all claimed West Ham had officially contacted Brighton about a potential loan move for Ferguson.
Although it was stated Brighton remain undecided about whether to sanction his exit in January.
Signing a striker is a top priority for the Hammers in January.
The club were already looking to bring in a new forward.
That was before Michail Antonio’s horror car crash and Jarrod Bowen’s broken foot.
West Ham are also open to selling unsettled Niclas Fullkrug if they can recoup their £26m outlay.
Given the speculation overnight, Hammers News reached out to the club for an update on the situation.
Now West Ham have shared the truth on a move for Brighton star Ferguson in a major striker search update.
Hammers provide major striker move update
For those excited at the prospect of the big forward likened to Harry Kane arriving at the London Stadium, there is mixed news.
A top spokesman for West Ham has confirmed the club has made contact over a move.
But unfortunately it doesn’t look like it will be happening after what they were told.
“He is injured,” the spokesman for West Ham’s owners has exclusively told Hammers News.
West Ham fans should not despair, though.
When asked whether that meant other targets were being explored, the response was exciting.
“Other targets are being explored all the time,” the key senior London Stadium contact added.
West Ham have been linked with a host of forwards.
Journalist Bailey shared a detailed update on West Ham’s targets ahead of the window opening.
Majority owner David Sullivan has taken back ultimate control of transfers.
That’s after expressing disappointment in how Tim Steidten and the manager spent £155m of West Ham’s money in the summer.
A whopping £69m of which West Ham borrowed from Barclays offset against future income from money owed to the club.
One top source believes that could restrict West Ham’s spending down the line.
But it seems the club do have the intent to go out and get a forward in the January window at least.
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