Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson is allegedly attracting interest from Nottingham Forest ahead of the January transfer window.
The Republic of Ireland international is generally regarded as one of the top prospects in world football given how he broke onto the scene at the Amex Stadium after leaving Bohemians.
A total of 17 goals and five assists have come from his 75 appearances for the Seagulls, but his game time has significantly reduced under Fabian Hurzeler.
Just 116 minutes have been accumulated in this season's Premier League, leading to suggestions that an array of clubs are starting to monitor the situation.
Hurzeler hit back last week, insisting that the 20-year-old needed to be patient for opportunities and focus on being physically and mentally prepared when he is required. Brighton's CEO has also played down speculation.
Nevertheless, at a time when Danny Welbeck is the clear first choice in the Brighton attack, it appears that more clubs are preparing to enter the race for Ferguson's signature.
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Forest to enter Ferguson race?
According to Football Insider, Forest have identified Ferguson as a potential target for the midway point of the campaign.
The East Midlands outfit are enjoying a terrific campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, sitting in sixth position in the Premier League table ahead of squaring off against Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Nine of Forest's 16 goals in the top flight have come through Chris Wood, the New Zealand international on the brink of becoming the all-time Premier League record goalscorer for Forest on his own having equalled the feat at the weekend.
However, it is plausible that Taiwo Awoniyi may look for a way out of the City Ground having been provided with just 172 minutes in the league during 2024-25.
With Wood also turning 33 years of age at the weekend, it is a reminder that Forest will eventually need a long-term successor to the soon-to-be veteran.
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Permanent or temporary bid?
The report alleges that Forest are interested in testing Brighton's resolve with a permanent bid, despite recent suggestions that an asking price may be as high as £100m.
Having only narrowly avoided sanctions regarding the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations in the summer, Forest are not in a position to go that high.
Furthermore, Ferguson may not see the logic of moving to a club where he would continue to remain as an understudy, particularly when clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United have been credited as admirers.
Brighton remain in an immensely strong position with regards to Ferguson's future due to his contract not expiring until 2029.
Darren Plant
