West Ham have “made it clear” to Brighton that they will “walk away” if they wait until the end of the transfer window to make a decision on Evan Ferguson’s future, according to reports.

The Hammers are said to have already contacted the Seagulls about the Republic of Ireland international’s situation.

It is believed that Ferguson could be allowed to leave the Amex on loan this month but it appears that Brighton won’t be rushed into deciding his future.

With Julen Lopetegui’s side in desperate need of reinforcements up front, though, inside source the Claret & Hugh claim they aren’t interested in waiting until Deadline Day.

Ferguson has been described as a “phenomenal talent”

Speaking back in August, the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer waxed lyrical about the player’s ability:

“Without doubt, he can kick on. We’ve seen what he can do. What he has to do now, he has to take it into the season and do it on a regular basis. I don’t know what’s gone on at Brighton, whether the manager didn’t fancy him, All I know is I’ve seen a phenomenal talent there. I’ve seen the stature of him, his movement, seen what he’s like in front of goal.”

Since Shearer’s comments, though, things haven’t improved for Ferguson and his lack of game time could lead to him moving clubs in January.

West Ham could lose out to another Premier League club

If the Irons do decide to pull out of the race for Ferguson, the player is unlikely to be short of suitors. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Fulham have all been mentioned as potential destinations over the past few days.

From West Ham’s perspective, though, it seems they are keen to press ahead and secure a new No.9 as soon as possible.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here