Transfer Talk: Blues ponder swoop for Seagulls star Ferguson

Chelsea are plotting yet another raid on Brighton after earmarking teenage striker Evan Ferguson as a top target.

The Republic of Ireland ace, 19, is still not a guaranteed starter at the Amex but has emerged as one of world football's brightest prospects over the last 12 months.

According to The Evening Standard, the Blues are huge admirers of the towering centre forward and would dearly love to bring him to West London — just as they have done with several other Seagulls stars previously.

Moises Caicedo swapped Sussex for Stamford Bridge last summer in a £115million deal, following a path also trodden by the likes of Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez and boss Graham Potter.

However, the report also notes Brighton's growing reluctance to keep flogging their star players to Chelsea as a potential stumbling block in any deal.

Mauricio Pochettino's expensively-assembled squad is still light in terms of line-leading options and the Blues have been linked with a host of names already this month.

Touted moves for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Brentford star Ivan Toney would likely demand nine-figure fees, as would Ferguson potentially given he is contracted until 2029.

Yet the Seagulls starlet's wage demands would supposedly be half those of his fellow forwards, making a deal more viable should Chelsea willingly stump up the cash.

In other news

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has started his summer transfer window planning by adding Ajax striker Brian Brobbey to his shortlist, claim The Mirror.

The Guardian say Brentford's Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka, 26, has several clubs keen to take him on loan this month including Everton and Fulham.

Aston Villa have been contacted by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal over the availability of their 30-year-old French full-back Lucas Digne, report L'Equipe.