Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race to sign Evan Ferguson on loan but face competition for the Brighton striker from Bournemouth, Everton, Tottenham and West Ham.
Ferguson, who is recovering from an ankle injury, has fallen down the pecking order at the Amex Stadium this season and 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 having lost 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 are deemed excessive. Potter, the former Brighton manager, gave Ferguson his first-team debut.
Bournemouth are also looking at Ferguson after losing Enes Unal and Evanilson to injury. Everton are short of firepower, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin sidelined because of a hamstring injury, and Spurs are without Dominic Solanke for six weeks. Richarlison picked up a groin injury in Spurs’ defeat by Leicester.
There has previously been talk of big 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.
Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Porto have inquired about signing Carney Chukwuemeka on loan from Chelsea. The midfielder, who has struggled since a £20m move from Aston Villa in 2022, is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans.
A solution is being worked on for Chukwuemeka and a move to one of Europe’s top leagues is possible. Dortmund’s interest has been held up by them firing their manager Nuri Sahin last week. Juve have signed the Portugal defender Renato Veiga on loan from Chelsea. Everton are tracking Chukwuemeka but West Ham’s interest has waned. A loan to Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg is not a priority for the player.
Chelsea are focused on outgoings and hope to offload Cesare Casadei. Torino may beat Lazio and Fiorentina to the midfielder in a deal worth £13m. Aston Villa want the France defender Axel Disasi and the Portugal playmaker João Félix but there is no sign of a buyer for the England left-back Ben Chilwell.
Santos are set to sign the 19-year-old Brazilian striker Deivid Washington on loan. Washington joined Chelsea for £17m 18 months ago and has made three substitute appearances for the club.
