Brighton chief makes Evan Ferguson transfer claim amid Manchester United links

Brighton & Hove Albion chief Paul Barber has insisted the club aren't looking to cash in on Evan Ferguson amid links to Manchester United.

The teenage forward impressed in his breakthrough Premier League campaign last season and has been touted with a move to Old Trafford. Ferguson signed a new long-term deal with the Seagulls in April, though, and is under contract on the south coast until 2028.

United have signed Rasmus Hojlund to fill their striker void and a deal for Ferguson never seemed likely this summer. Brighton have already proven tough negotiators having cashed in on Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.

Barber insists it'll be another five years before Brighton are tempted to cash in on Ferguson and praised the role of Roberto de Zerbi and his staff in the young forward's development.

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“In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time," he told talkSPORT jokingly. "Ultimately, the technical staff are making the key decisions on where a player is in his development, whether he needs more first-team games or needs to go on loan or if we need to trade earlier or later.

“Ultimately, it’s going to be a collective decision but it’s driven by the technical staff and we’re relying on them to make those judgements regarding the players’ development.

“There are times when it’s better for us to keep a player in and around our first team group, training with us and getting the odd first team appearance from the bench or in cup games, while on other occasions it’s better