Nottingham Forest are seeking a more reliable backup to Chris Wood in the January transfer window, with Irish sensation Evan Ferguson an option.
Forest have offered Wood a new contract as a reward for the Kiwi’s exceptional first half of the Premier League season, with his 11 league goals greatly contributing to Forest’s third-place position at the halfway stage.
Key:
Position 1 – 4 : Champions League
Position 5 : UEFA Europa League
Position 18 – 20 : Relegation
However, Nuno Espirito Santo will be wary of gambling on Wood’s continued fitness, meaning another forward in the Forest squad would be the perfect January incoming.
Petar Musa has been linked with Forest as a potential January striker option, alongside Forest’s pursuit of Yuri Alberto that looks set to bubble on throughout the month.
Another name that has surfaced is Brighton’s Irish star, Evan Ferguson, who has been hot property on the south coast since his breakthrough 2022/23 campaign.
Forest were reportedly offered Ferguson by Brighton, with details now emerging about what type of deal would suit The Seagulls.
Brighton would prefer loan with ‘obligation’ for Evan Ferguson deal
According to Ben Jacobs, Brighton remain undecided about whether to sanction a move for Ferguson in January, with many clubs in the Premier League anxiously waiting for an update.
Jacobs stated that Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham are all monitoring Ferguson this month, with “a half-season loan” being “very appealing” to the chasing pack.
However, Jacobs said: “Brighton are currently inclined to insist on an obligation clause if they decide to let Ferguson go in January.” The addition of a more permanent aspect to the deal may cut off a number of the interested parties, giving Forest the advantage if they are able to free up funds of their own.
Nottingham Forest could benefit from latest Evan Ferguson update
Given that Forest could listen to offers for Taiwo Awoniyi during the window, any funds received for the Nigerian could be spent on an obligation to buy Ferguson from Brighton.
Ferguson has suffered through fitness issues for a while now, only starting twice so far this season, which could make the fee required to purchase the 20-year-old a more reasonable one than expected.
Even if the fee is high, though, the young forward has scored 17 goals in under 100 appearances as a teenager in the Premier League, hinting at the colossal potential that his signing could provide the Forest squad with.
Wood’s brilliance will have a ceiling given that he is 33, so a younger understudy who isn’t required to make an instant impact for the Forest manager could be perfect if Evangelos Marinakis can find the funds to meet Brighton’s demands.
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