Brighton boss drops hint over future of starlet linked with Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday’s title rivals & Middlesbrough

Teenager Evan Ferguson was linked with the Blades and Town, as well as Middlesbrough, Millwall and Preston North End, in a national newspaper report before the January transfer window opened, and made his debut for the senior Ireland side earlier this season.

The speculation intensified after an interview with the Irish Independent in which the 18-year-old admitted he was open to a loan deal if it furthered his footballing education.

Blades' promotion rivals close in on signing of striker many Unitedites wanted

But Ferguson looks set to stay at Brighton and Hove Albion for the remainder of the season, if his manager Roberto De Zerbi’s comments after last night’s 4-1 hammering of Everton at Goodison Park are anything to go by.

Ferguson was on the scoresheet at Goodison Park, days after finding the net at home to league leaders Arsenal, and De Zerbi said: “I’m happy for Evan, he played a fantastic game. He has big potential and I think he can help us in the second part of the season.

United transfer "priority" reiterated amid Khadra, Ndiaye and Berge speculation

“With Danny Welbeck, he can be very important as our striker. Evan could become a great striker because he has all the qualities, both physical and technical. It was a mature performance by Evan.”

United had not planned to make any signings this month but the situation changed with Reda Khadra’s future uncertain. He will be allowed to return to Brighton if the promotion-chasing Blades can sign a replacement.

Ex-Blades and Boro boss amongst favourites for vacant Portsmouth job