Manchester United eye late £50 million transfer swoop to sign 19-year-old Premier League star ahead of Chelsea: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a late summer swoop to sign highly rated Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson. As per The Daily Star, the Red Devils are considering making a £50 million offer for the Republic of Ireland international, who is also wanted by Chelsea.

As per the aforementioned report, Manchester United are long-term admirers of the 19-year-old. They reportedly fear losing the promising attacker's signature to Chelsea and are therefore ready to launch a move this summer.

The Red Devils' new sporting director Dan Ashworth was holding the same post at Brighton when the Seagulls signed Ferguson from Bohemians in 2021. He knows the youngster inside out and his presence could hand Erik ten Hag's side a major boost in their pursuit.

Manchester United have already signed a new centre-forward this summer, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a reported £32 million fee. They also have Rasmus Hojlund in their ranks, who joined the club last summer from Atalanta, in a deal worth a reported £72 million.

Hojlund is currently out with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to return until late September. It will be interesting to see if the Red Devils decide to splash a big fee for the acquisition of another number nine this summer.

Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in world football, having showcased his enormous quality as a teenager. He has scored 16 goals and produced five assists in 65 appearances for Brighton till date, despite not being a regular starter.

Brighton are in a strong position in negotiations for Ferguson as the youngster is contracted at the Amex Stadium until 2029. The Seagulls are known as tough negotiators anyway, but have also shown that they are ready to sell their priced assets for the right price.

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Manchester United agree deal to land Bayern Munich duo: Reports

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a double deal with Bayern Munich to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. As reportedly by transfer expert David Ornstein, De Ligt is set to sign for the Red Devils in a deal worth £43 million.

Erik ten Hag is also set to reunite with Noussair Mazraoui, whom he managed at Ajax, in a deal worth £17 million. De Ligt was also formerly managed by Ten Hag at Ajax and is now set to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford with an option for another year.

Mazraoui's arrival, however, depends on Manchester United's ability to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka. West Ham United have reportedly made a £15 million offer for the full-back, but discussions are ongoing.

Manchester United have been pretty active in the transfer market this summer, having already made two signings. They have signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro for a combined £88 million fee.