Newcastle join race to sign £60m Brighton star - Report

Newcastle are in the race for Evan Ferguson but face serious competition from West Ham United, who have emerged as front-runners to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion striker.

It was revealed in the Telegraph late last month that the Ireland international is available on loan in January and, according to CaughtOffside, Newcastle have joined a number of Premier League clubs in registering their interest.

Brighton are admirers of Ferguson’s talent but he is struggling for game-time and they have been so far unable to reintegrate the forward into his starting XI. It's thought Seagulls boss Fabián Hurzeler expects more consistency from Ferguson in training, with the player featuring in just 269 minutes across all competitions this season.

Brighton are open to loaning the striker in January, with an eventual permanent transfer possible if a suitable offer comes. So far this figure is estimated at £60 million, although it remains to be seen if the club would do a January deal with Newcastle; a club they're likely to see as rivals in the battle for Europe this season.

Other names thought to be keen on Ferguson include. Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal. But it is West Ham's advanced discussions that have reportedly put them in pole position to secure the player’s signature.

Newcastle recently welcomed the return of Callum Wilson, who has been out with a long-term injury. But there are concerns that the former England international will be able to stay fit until the end of the season, along with the fact he's out of contract next summer.

Aside from Will Osula, who has barely featured since signing from Sheffield United over the summer, Alexander Isak is the only other out-and-out striker at Newcastle, who may be wise to sign a long-term replacement for an ageing and out-of-contract Wilson.