Ever since whispers that Evan Ferguson was eyeing up a move away from Brighton first emerged, the rumour mill has been in overdrive with what feels like half the Premier League linked with the Irish man.
While Fabian Hurzeler initially refuted the prospect of a move entirely, the Brighton manager's comments have softened this month, with his latest remarks seemingly teeing up a move for Ferguson.
Any potential move away from the Amex however, will be contingent on Ferguson's availability to play. The striker has missed Brighton's last four games owing to an ankle injury that kept him side lined.
His current injury is just the latest in a rotten run of luck that has seen a knee injury and a more severe ankle injury stint Ferguson's previously metaphoric rise.
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Fabian Hurzeler gives most positive Ferguson update to date
Although Ferguson is not yet match fit, Hurzeler did confirm that he is en route back and has returned to training with the club - a return that will hopefully prime the striker for a January move away from the Seagulls.
Speaking ahead of Brighton's clash with Ipswich on Thursday evening, Fabian Hurzeler revealed that he, Evan and the club will discuss a loan move this month provided the Bettystown native can get fit.
He came from the youth academy and that’s the way of the club. We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together.
This decision should be what is best for the player and for the club... We know that the Premier League is a very good league to improve, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players. It’s the perfect environment to adapt.
In the end, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So, when they improve in the environment of the league where we are also playing, it’s always very helpful. So, that’s why I am not thinking about making the other teams better, it’s more about what is best for the player.
Hurzeler's comments come just a day after West Ham manager Graham Potter, who Ferguson has been heavily linked with, refused to rule out bringing him to the Hammers.
Potter, who himself has just taken charge at West Ham was speaking to the media when he said he wouldn't discuss players who hadn't signed for West Ham, but made no efforts to rule out the rumours.
"He's a player that's not a West Ham player, and until he's a West Ham player I won't speak about anybody" Potter said.
While Ferguson's injury has thrown a spanner in the works for what seemed like an inevitable move, he'll be hoping that he can return to fitness in time to make a move before the close of the January window.