Man Utd send scouts to watch Brighton star as summer move plotted

Manchester United have sent scouts to monitor Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson ahead of a potential summer move, according to a new report.

United boss Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for a new centre forward this year as he searches for a permanent replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The club has been heavily linked with a move for Tottenham star Harry Kane, who is out of contract in north London next summer, with Football Insider's Wayne Veysey claiming that Ten Hag sees him as the 'perfect' forward for his system.

But United do have backup options, and have been linked with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and RB Leipzig-bound Benjamin Sesko among others.

Sesko would be difficult to sign, however, as the RB Salzburg star has an agreement to join Leipzig from this summer. However, ESPN claim Leipzig may consider waiving their rights to the player if they receive a big fee in return.

Osimhen, meanwhile, is part of the Napoli side that are well on track to win this year's Serie A, and are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, meaning the Italian giants have no requirement to sell.

Now, another alternative has emerged as an option for United.

Man Utd send scouts to watch Brighton star

According to Football Insider, United have assigned scouts to monitor Ferguson, who has had a breakout season under Roberto De Zerbi this term.

A tall and physical striker, the 18-year-old is also quick and agile for his size, and has netted seven goals in 16 appearances for Brighton this season.

He fired in a brace against League Two side Grimsby last week to book Brighton's place in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will take on United at Wembley next month.

Ten Hag's side, therefore, will likely get a first hand look at the Republic of Ireland international, who has been described as a 'freak', such is his talent at such a young age, by club and international team-mate Andrew Moran.

They could then launch a move ahead of the summer, with Football Insider also claiming that Brighton are preparing for major interest in the player's services when the next transfer window opens.

However, The Sun report that Ferguson is not keen on a move away from Brighton this summer, and may reject any advances.