Bayer Leverkusen has joined the race to sign Evan Ferguson on loan but faces competition for the Brighton striker from Bournemouth, Everton, Tottenham, and West Ham.
After recovering from an ankle injury, Ferguson has fallen the pecking order at the Amex Stadium this season. Brighton will consider letting the Republic of Ireland international leave on loan. Interested clubs are under the impression a permanent deal is not on the table.
There is plenty of competition for Ferguson, regarded as one of the brightest young strikers in the Premier League, and Leverkusen have made inquiries.
The German champions may need a forward if Victor Boniface seals a move to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
The 20-year-old is on West Ham’s radar after losing Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio to injury.
Their new head coach, Graham Potter, is believed to be unsure about a loan move for RB Leipzig’s André Silva and Ajax’s demands for Brian Brobbey, which are deemed excessive. Potter, the former Brighton manager, gave Ferguson his first-team debut.
Bournemouth also looks at Ferguson after losing Enes Unal and Evanilson to injury.
Everton is short of firepower, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin sidelined because of a hamstring injury, and the Spurs have been without Dominic Solanke for six weeks. Richarlison picked up a groin injury during the Spurs’ defeat.
There has been talk of significant bids for Ferguson from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. He has found the going tough over the past 18 months and has scored once in 14 appearances this season.
Bayer Leverkusen is not done yet, as they are set to complete the loan signing for Emi Buendia from Aston Villa.
According to various sources in Germany, the Argentine completed his medical today and will sign a loan deal until the end of the season with an option to make the deal permanent.
It is thought that both clubs would like the agreement completed before the final Champions League League games tomorrow evening.
Buendia signed for Villa in a £30 million deal in 2021 from Norwich and has had an up-and-down time in Claret and Blue.
He initially struggled before finding form when Unai Emery arrived, but he picked up an ACL injury in the 2023 pre-season.
