Chelsea targeting £50 million move for striker

Manchester United suffered a bruising defeat against rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday. 

After an uneventful first-half, Alejandro Garnacho put the Red Devils ahead late on and looked to have secured Erik ten Hag’s side the trophy, until Bernardo Silva’s late header drew the Premier League champions level.

The game ended 1-1 and, with no extra-time, headed to a penalty shoot-out.

Veteran defender Jonny Evans mput his spot-kick over the crossbar, allowing Manuel Akanji to secure a 7-6 shootout victory and add yet another trophy to the club’s glittering recent collection.

United boss Ten Hag will be frustrated that his side failed to hold on to their lead, having beaten the Citizens in the FA Cup final back in May.

Now, it has emerged that the Manchester club are plotting a huge move for a Premier League striker.

As per The Daily Star, United are considering a move for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.

The Irish forward is regarded as one of the best young strikers in Europe, although he did score just six times across all competitions last term.

Despite that, the report claims that those in charge of United’s recruitment are pondering a £50 million move for the Irishman.

Ferguson, 19, has scored 16 goals in 65 senior games for the Seagulls, having joined the south coast club from Irish outfit Bohemians three years ago.

The teenager is also said to have attracted interest from Chelsea, and the report claims that United are considering a move for the forward this summer as they are concerned about being beaten to his signature by the Blues.

Ferguson is contracted to Brighton until the summer of 2029, but it appears increasingly likely that he will still be with the club at that point.