Man Utd transfer blow as wonderkid Evan Ferguson, 18, snubs giants to sign new long-term Brighton contract

BRIGHTON have beaten off transfer interest from Manchester United to secure the long-term future of Evan Ferguson.

The 18-year-old striker has burst onto the scene this season, scoring nine goals since his breakthrough into the senior team.

Ferguson also scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland last month in a friendly against Latvia.

The Seagulls beat interest from United, Chelsea and Liverpool to land the Irishman from Bohemians, with him penning his first pro contract in October.

But his displays have caught the eye of both United and rivals Tottenham.

Man Utd thought that they were in prime position to land Ferguson when he made his next move as the teen admitted he grew up as a Red Devils fan and idolised .

However, those hopes have been dashed for now after Brighton confirmed the hotshot has agreed a new deal until 2028.

And his manager is now determined to help him flourish into one of the planet’s top marksmen.

Roberto De Zerbi said: “Evan’s contract extension is great news.

“He trains and plays like a senior player with many years of experience and has become an important member of the squad.

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“The aim is to help him become one of the strongest strikers in Europe.”

Ferguson is currently in a race against time to be fit for Brighton’s Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest tonight.

He missed the FA Cup penalty shootout defeat to United on Sunday due to an ankle injury picked up in the recent win over Chelsea.