TalkSPORT presenter Jeff Stelling claims he would be “staggered” if West Ham lose out to Everton in the race to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

When it was put to him that the Toffees were the favourites to secure the Irishman’s services on loan this month, Stelling replied:

“I’m shocked that you said Ferguson is expected to go to Everton. I’d be staggered – staggered – by that.”

“If he has the option of going to West Ham, with his old boss Graham Potter, who got the best out of him, or a club who with the best will in the world have seen centre-forwards struggle since the days of Duncan Ferguson, I’d be really surprised. But who knows?”

What is the situation with Ferguson?

Brighton are expected to sanction the 21-year-old’s exit on loan before next week’s transfer deadline, and clubs are believed to be lining up to snap him up.

In addition to West Ham and Everton, reports in France claim that Marseille have joined the battle for Ferguson, alongside Arsenal and Fulham.

West Ham are the most attractive destination

As Stelling points out, Ferguson would have the opportunity to work with his former boss Graham Potter once again, who gave him his debut for Brighton.

Furthermore, due to the injuries sustained by Niklas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bown, the Republic of Ireland international would have plenty of opportunities to start games.

It’s unlikely that Ferguson would be given the same number of minutes at Arsenal, Marseille or even Fulham, where he would have to compete with Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz.

Everton are in desperate need of a No,9, just like the Hammers are, but the striker is unlikely to score many goals on Merseyside due to their defensive setup.

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