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Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Brighton FC
Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Transfers
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Brighton And Hove Albion, Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Transfers
Manchester United have missed out on signing one of the Premier League's most highly-rated youngsters this summer, despite him being a boyhood supporter of the Old Trafford club.
United are expected to add several new names to their squad in the next window, with a striker top of their transfer list.
Tottenham forward Harry Kane and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen have been strongly linked with the Red Devils, with Erik ten Hag desperate to sign a permanent replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Kane and Osimhen are unlikely to come cheap this summer, which could prove problematic for United – who are reportedly at risk of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules if they overspend this summer.
That has led to the club being linked with cheaper options up front, including Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
The Republic of Ireland international has enjoyed a breakout season with the Seagulls, scoring nine goals in all competitions including four in the Premier League.
Ferguson is a boyhood United supporter and has previously revealed that he idolised Wayne Rooney growing up.
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Both United and Tottenham had been linked with a move for the 18-year-old this summer but he is set to remain on the south coast for the immediate future after signing a new long-term deal with Brighton.
The Premier League club announced on Tuesday that Ferguson has put pen to paper on a new contract to keep him at the club until 2028.
"Evan's contract extension is great news," said Brighton boss Robert De Zerbi, who previously described Ferguson as a future "European great".
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"He trains and plays like a senior player with many years of experience and has become an important member of the squad.
"The aim is to help him become one of the strongest strikers in Europe."
While Ferguson is now set to continue his development at Brighton, United will no doubt be keeping tabs on the striker and will be confident of convincing him to join - should they make a firm approach in the future.