Manchester United will consider making a move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson this summer in order to see off interest from Chelsea, according to the Daily Star.

The English tabloid claims that the Red Devils are “concerned” that their Premier League rivals could make their own offer for the Republic of Ireland international.

With that being the case, sporting director Dan Ashworth (who signed Ferguson for Brighton), is hoping to beat the Blues to the player’s signature before the transfer window closes.

Despite recruiting Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, United are still in the market for a No.9. Both Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been linked.

However, the Red Devils are looking to buy a forward who is younger. At 19 years of age, Ferguson fits the bill.

How much would Ferguson cost?

The Daily Star claim that Brighton would demand a fee in excess of £50m, but there have been reports over the past year that the Seagulls could hold out for double that amount.

Owner Tony Bloom is the toughest negotiator in the Premier League but Ashworth does have a good relationship with him, with the pair having worked together for several years. Whether that would help lower the price, though, it is up for debate.

Can United afford the player?

With Erik ten Hag’s side spending €60m (£51m) upfront for Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, you would have to question the club’s capacity to spend another £50m+ this summer without falling foul of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

De Ligt and Mazraoui’s arrival means United have shelled out around £140m on new signings. Adding the cost of the Ferguson would take their spending close to £200m. To afford another purchase, you have to think that some players will need to be sold first.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here