Manchester United are tracking Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new number nine and Romano reports that the 18-year-old has been scouted “two or three times” by the club’s recruitment department:

“I can tell you that Man Utd scouts have already followed the player two or three times in the last three or four months. He’s a player that Man Utd are already following. But there are many other clubs because he is a really special and talented player.”

“Brighton’s feeling is that they want to keep him for at least another season, so I’m not sure it’s going to be easy to sign Ferguson in the summer. And the player is happy there. He knows that Brighton is the best place to develop and them move maybe in the summer of 2024.”

“So the situation is not easy at all. It’s true that Man Utd are alongside many other clubs. It’s absolutely normal to have your scouts around Europe following the best talent and he’s for sure one of them.”

Ferguson has also been linked with Chelsea and the Irish international will be in demand when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

However, as Romano points out, the forward will not press for a move away from the Amex, and the fact that the Seagulls want him to stay will make any attempt to sign him doubly difficult.

With that being the case, United may switch their attentions to alternatives that are more attainable. One possible option is Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.

While there could be competition for the player’s signature from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle, the Danish international could be sold for €50m (£44m) this summer.