For nearly two weeks now the Evan Ferguson rumour mill has been in full swing, while both Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and CEO Paul Barber have refuted claims the Irishman will be available in January, clubs continue to express their interest.
Since the news first broke that Ferguson would be seeking a move away from the Seagulls in search of more game time in January, a number of clubs are reported to have expressed interest in the 20-year-old, including Leicester, Fulham, Westham and Leeds.
While the powers that be might be refuting the prospect of a loan move for Ferguson, it hasn't deterred Leicester City who are reportedly leading the race to sign Ferguson.
Earlier this week, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler told reporters that he had no idea where the loan claims came from, comments that were backed up by his CEO Paul Barber on Saturday when he told Talk Sport that Evan Ferguson was happy in the squad and vice versa.
Evan's a really important part of the squad. Sometimes mischievous rumours emerge from various strange places and one or two journalists will buy into those ideas, put out there by one or two other clubs perhaps in some cases.
But Evan's very happy, we've very happy with Evan, we expect him to be an important of the squad throughout the season.
Unfortunately, sometimes in this business,we know that the rumour mill and the noise on the outside is stuff you have to ignore.
17 November 2024; Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Leicester favourites to sign Evan Ferguson
Yet despite the best efforts of Barber and Hurzeler to play down the prospect of a Ferguson departure, reports today suggest that Leicester who have just appointed Ruud Van Nistelrooy as their head coach are among the clubs still interested in securing Ferguson's services.
According to reports from Peter O'Rourke of Football Insider, the club feel that Ferguson could potentially prove to be the difference between remaining in the Premier League and relegation this season.
So far this season, Ferguson has scored just one goal in ten Brighton appearances this season, and has started just a single game in the Premier League.
While there is still significant work to be done before an offer can be tabled, Evan Ferguson is reportedly interested in joining Ruud Van Nistelrooy if it means improving on his current lack of game time.
The move to Leicester could be a fruitful one for Ferguson, who would not only be playing alongside Jamie Vardy, but under former Manchester United coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy who was appointed as the club's manager last week.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Westham are also reported to be keeping their eye on the Irish man, with Niclas Fullkrug only returning from injury now, and the club keen to bolster their attacking options, which have suffered in the absence of Fullkrug.
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