Evan Ferguson linked to European giants despite new Brighton contract

From one special one to another.

After his sensational debut season in the Premier League, Evan Ferguson has found himself on the radar of many big clubs in England and beyond. The 18-year-old star has been linked to several high profile clubs, most notably Manchester United. Despite signing a new long-term contract with the Premier League side until 2028, some clubs are still sniffing around, with Italian giants AS Roma now said to be interested in acquiring his talents. According to The Mirror, Jose Mourinho has signalled his interest in the striker and Roma are in the very early stages of exploring whether Ferguson and his club would be willing to facilitate a move.

Jose Mourinho signals interest in Evan Ferguson

[caption id="attachment_259022" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of the Irish striker.[/caption] The Italian side, who will face Sevilla in the final of the Europa League at the end of May, only have one centre forward permanently on their books: ex-Chelsea player Tammy Abraham. Other attacking options Andrea Belotti and Paulo Dybala are both on loan from Torino and Juventus respectively. Abraham would be first to say how successful a move from the Premier League to Italy can be. However, it's clear that Ferguson is a big part of Brighton manager Roberto Di Zerbi's future plans, with the Italian coach keen to keep the Irish international at the club. "Evan’s contract extension is great news," De Zerbi told Brighton's website after Ferguson's new contract was announced last month. "He trains and plays like a senior player with many years of experience and has become an important member of the squad. "The aim is to help him become one of the strongest strikers in Europe." The incredible rise of the Irish striker was bound to attract attention across Europe. But it looks like Ferguson is focused on his career at Brighton for the time being and his head hasn't been turned by any rumours. At the moment the best thing for the young Bettystown native is to keep working alongside De Zerbi, one of Europe's most exciting managers, at a side that plays some of the best football in the Premier League.

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