NEWS IN – Brighton now ready to offer Tottenham Evan Ferguson but ONLY on a swap deal for ‘high-class’ Tottenham player.
Tottenham might have the perfect opportunity to strike a deal for Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson after the Seagulls reportedly expressed an interest in signing Bryan Gil. Spurs are still searching for Harry Kane’s long-term replacement despite Richarlison’s improved form in recent months.
Ferguson is one of Europe’s most sought-after young players and possesses a similar profile to Spurs icon Kane. The north Londoners will hope to beat the fierce competition for the Irish teenager’s signature this year.
An excellent opportunity may arise over the coming weeks with Brighton reportedly keen on Spurs outcast Gil. The Spaniard has featured for just 217 minutes this season – the equivalent of two-and-a-half full matches.
According to Corierre dello Sport, Gil is likely to leave Spurs before the January transfer window slams shut, but could remain in England where he supposedly has plenty of suitors. Brighton are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing the 22-year-old.
The report adds that Brighton and Brentford are ‘negotiating’ to take Gil on loan for the remainder of the campaign. It is unclear if any deal would include an option or obligation to buy the former Spain U21 captain.
Negotiations between Spurs and Brighton could open the possibility of dialogue over Ferguson’s future. Daniel Levy and sporting director Johan Lange might ask for a swap deal that would see Spurs buy Ferguson for a fee that is subsidised by Gil moving in the opposite direction.
Even if that is not possible, then Spurs could lend Gil to the south coast outfit and maintain a positive relationship with their Premier League rivals in the hope of a summer transfer for Ferguson. The 19-year-old forward would surely be keen to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he would thrive attempting to fill the major gap vacated by Kane.
Brighton will likely hold out for a huge fee, such is their business model. They secured a British record £115m for Moises Caicedo last summer and may hope for a similar fee when Ferguson finally goes.
CEO Paul Barber recently seemed to rule out a January move, but Spurs will surely feel they might be able to lure the Ireland international to north London soon. “Someone like Evan, who is an incredible talent, he’s still got a way to go to learn his trade,” Barber told talkSPORT.
“Letting him go at some point in the future is going to be, I’m sure, part of the overall plan, both from our side and Evan’s side. But in the short-term we want to try and make sure we develop him the best we can.”
