Evan Ferguson names three former Manchester United strikers he idolised

Evan Ferguson has revealed he looked up to Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov as a young Manchester United fan.

The 19-year-old is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand young talents in Europe after an excellent 18 months at Brighton and Hove Albion. His five goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season have caught the eye of several top sides, including United.

The Manchester Evening News understands the Reds are keeping one eye on the young striker's development. And Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in another striker over the next 12 months to provide cover and competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

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Ferguson signed a new six-year contract with Brighton on Friday but remains a long-term target for Ten Hag's side, among others. And the teenager admits he grew up supporting the Reds and idolising their leading men.

"You look at one thing that, say, Harry Kane, does, like the way he has such a quick touch and finish," Ferguson told the Daily Mail of his inspirations as a striker. "You look at their different characteristics and see what suits you.

"I supported (Manchester) United as a boy. You had the Rooneys, the Berbatovs and obviously Danny Welbeck. They’ve always had a good thing going with the striker."

Ferguson now plays alongside Welbeck at the AMEX, and is learning from the striker who is 13 years his senior. He came through the ranks at United before joining Arsenal and then Watford.

But Welbeck is now enjoying some of the best form of his life on the south coast and also using his experience to help the young Ferguson. "As soon as I came in, he took me under his wing," the Republic of Ireland