Evan Ferguson 'turned down Manchester United move to stay at Brighton'

Regarded as one of the most exciting attacking prospects the Premier League has to offer, Ferguson has lit up the Amex Stadium since bursting onto the scene in blue and white.

The 18-year-old has already made 34 senior appearances for Roberto De Zerbi's team, scoring 14 goals and setting up four more, and his efforts helped the Seagulls achieve a historic Europa League qualification in 2022-23.

Ferguson has already managed four goals in six Premier League outings this term - including a scintillating hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Newcastle United - but he missed Thursday's opening Europa League loss to AEK Athens due to an apparent knee issue.

The Republic of Ireland international was back in the squad for Sunday's triumph over Bournemouth, though, and he already has two goals to show from six senior appearances for his country.

Back in April, Ferguson committed his future to Roberto De Zerbi's side with a new long-term contract until 2028, but that did not stop Man United from trying their luck in the most recent window.

According to The Athletic, Red Devils chiefs discussed a move for Ferguson ahead of the 2023-24 season, having passed up the chance to sign him from Bohemians following a trial a couple of years ago.

However, the striker was supposedly never given any affirmations that Man United were serious about bringing him to Old Trafford, and he felt that staying at Brighton was the best decision for his fledgling career.

Erik ten Hag's men suffered several setbacks in their pursuit of a new striker during the summer transfer window, having initially pulled out all the stops to try to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.

Old Trafford was thought to be the England captain's most likely destination amid his pursuit of Alan Shearer's Premier League scoring record, but Spurs chief Daniel Levy would not consider selling to a direct rival.

Kane eventually departed his homeland for German champions Bayern Munich, and the Red Devils were also priced out of a move for Napoli and Nigeria marksman Victor Osimhen.

A potential swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani did not come to fruition either, as the Frenchman joined Ligue 1 holders Paris Saint-Germain late on deadline day.

Instead, Man United reached an agreement with Atalanta BC to sign Danish protege Rasmus Hojlund in a £65.4m deal, but the 20-year-old's start to the campaign was hampered by a back injury.

Since shaking off his affliction, Hojlund has managed one goal in his first three appearances for the Red Devils, netting an ultimately inconsequential effort in a 4-3 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich.

The Red Devils do stand to lose Anthony Martial when his deal expires next summer, but they are thought to be close to tying 19-year-old Joe Hugill down to a new three-year deal.