Man City identify Prem-based Erling Haaland replacement who Man Utd, Tottenham will fight to sign
A thriving Premier League striker is primed to become the subject of an intense transfer battle between Man Utd, Tottenham and Man City in 2024, per a report.
While all eyes are on how clubs attack the upcoming summer window, many sides will already be looking further into the future. Three such teams, according to Sky Sports, are Man Utd, Man City and Spurs.
Indeed, the outlet report all three EPL powerhouses are preparing for what promises to be a fearsome battle to sign Brighton phenom, Evan Ferguson.
The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene with the Seagulls this term, notching 10 goals in 23 matches across all competitions.
What makes those figures all the more impressive is the fact very few of Ferguson’s outings have comprised a full 90 minutes. As such, his 10 goals have come at a ratio of one every 121 minutes – an incredible return for someone so young.
Ferguson is already a full-fledged Republic or Ireland international and has four caps to his name. He scored his first goal for his country during the last international break in the 3-2 friendly win over Latvia.
Speculation had begun to swirl Ferguson could be on the move this summer. However, the player was keen to commit his future to Brighton where he knows he’ll be given ample opportunity to keep developing his game at a rapid rate.
As such, Ferguson signed a new contract running until 2028 on April 25. However, that may simply be delaying the inevitable.
Indeed, Sky Sports report Man Utd and Tottenham have lined Ferguson up for the summer window of 2024.
Man Utd, Spurs lay groundwork; Man City eye Haaland 2.0
Both United and Spurs view Ferguson as a ‘strong candidate’ to lead their line for the better part of the next decade and have duly ‘laid down groundwork to pursue him next summer’.
Sky also bring news of an admission from Man Utd that they made a mistake when failing to snap up Ferguson when they had the chance.
It’s stated United’s academy director, Nick Cox, recently labelled the teenager a ” £50m-plus mistake “. That’s because United failed to sign Ferguson to youth terms following a trial while still on the books of Irish side Bohemians.
Brighton made no such blunder, snapping up the 6ft 2in striker when aged just 16 in January of 2021.
The Seagulls are poised to reap the rewards when it comes time to cash in, with Sky adding there’s a belief Ferguson will quickly become a £100m player.
However, Man Utd and Tottenham aren’t the only heavyweight sides eyeing the Irishman.
Sky add Pep Guardiola’s Man City also like what they’ve seen and a City source claimed Ferguson has been discussed in the event Erling Haaland doesn’t stick around for the long haul.
Speculation continues to swirl Haaland is using City as a stepping stone before going on to join Real Madrid at a later date.
If that scenario transpires, the Norwegian’s replacement may already be in the Premier League.
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