Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson is reportedly one of four transfer targets for Manchester United in the summer of 2024.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty over the club's ownership, the Red Devils forked out in excess of £170m on seven new players this summer including the headline additions of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
Erik ten Hag has also bolstered his squad with the arrivals of Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans on permanent deals, while Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon have moved to Old Trafford on loan.
Man United have since made an underwhelming start to the new campaign, though, losing two of their opening four Premier League matches, leaving them languishing in 11th place in the table.
Less than two weeks after the summer transfer window shut, Man United are said to have already made plans to strengthen Ten Hag's squad further, with the Manchester Evening News reporting that the Red Devils have provisionally identified four players who they will look to sign next summer.
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United are looking to strengthen at full-back, centre-back, centre-midfield and in attack, and one of their targets is Brighton's rising star Ferguson, who has established himself as one of the brightest prospect in the Premier League since becoming a first-team regular under Roberto De Zerbi.
Ferguson has scored 18 goals in 39 senior appearances for Brighton across all competitions, including 10 strikes in his first full season with the Seagulls in 2022-23.
At the age of just 18, Ferguson has since made an impressive start to the new campaign, scoring four goals in as many Premier League matches including his first top-flight hat-trick in Brighton's 3-1 victory over Newcastle United before the international break.
Man United could face stern competition for Ferguson's signature from rivals Manchester City, while the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.
Brighton are under no pressure to sell Ferguson as he is under contract until the summer of 2028, and they would likely request a fee in excess of £100m for the highly-rated striker.
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Meanwhile, Man United have also identified Bayer Leverkusen duo Edmond Tapsoba and Jeremie Frimpong as potential targets for the summer of 2024.
Tapsoba, who extended his Leverkusen contract earlier this month until 2028, is said to be on the Red Devils' radar as they search for a long-term replacement for 30-year-old injury-prone centre-back Raphael Varane, while Victor Lindelof is out of contract next June.
Ten Hag is also understood to be an admirer of fellow Dutchman Frimpong, and Man United could reignite their interest in the 22-year-old right-back after allegedly abandoning a move this summer following the encouraging form of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The final player on Man United's provisional shortlist is summer loan signing Amrabat, with Ten Hag's side possessing the option to buy the Moroccan midfielder from Fiorentina next summer for €25m (£21.5m).
Amrabat's potential arrival on a permanent basis could cast doubts over the future of midfielder Scott McTominay, who remains at Old Trafford despite being strongly linked with an exit over the summer.
Man United would likely be required to generate funds from player sales if they wish to make any big-money signings in future windows, with McTominay, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho among those who could move on.
Oliver Thomas
