Man City 'shortlist Brighton forward Evan Ferguson' and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are one of a number of clubs apparently tracking Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.

The Seagulls star netted a hat-trick in his club’s 3-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend and is tipped to have a successful season at the AMEX Stadium. The 18-year-old scored six goals in 19 Premier League matches last term and has already amassed four in as many games this campaign.

Now, inews says City and all other Champions League contending Premier League clubs have put the Irishman on their radar, although the Blues will likely prioritise extending Erling Haaland’s contract above all.

Brighton are expected to receive interest about Ferguson in the January window although may be more likely to sell up next summer. Ferguson also has two goals in six caps for the Republic of Ireland.

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Elsewhere, Teamtalk claims Cole Palmer sought an exit after boss Pep Guardiola was unable to guarantee him the game time he wanted. It says this was the driving factor in his move to Chelsea, who have signed 11 other players this summer.

Palmer is said to have met with Guardiola in pre-season to figure out where he fitted into this year’s plans. It’s claimed he thought he would have been given more scope for minutes upon the exit of Riyad Mahrez.

City eventually signed Jeremy Doku before Palmer - who scored in the UEFA Super Cup triumph - departed for Chelsea on deadline day in a £42.5m deal. Guardiola supposedly wished to keep Palmer on his books but ultimately could not promise his game time ambitions would be met.