MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly had a secret £50million bid for Brighton star Evan Ferguson rejected – after failing to poach Harry Kane.
The Red Devils’ search for a striker this season ultimately saw them land the inexperienced Rasmus Hojlund for £72million.
According to ESPN United attempted to snatch the 18-year-old but they were “laughed off” by the Seagulls.
Reporter Rob Dawson said: “A bid of £50m for 18-year-old Evan Ferguson was laughed off by Brighton.”
Dawson claims the incident shows how far the Red Devils have fallen from the top-tier in Europe and are no longer able to attract the best players in the world.
Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham all left their respective clubs this summer and none of them came close to a move to Old Trafford.
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The same goes for Ferguson who has emerged as one of the most promising attacking talents in the Premier League in recent seasons.
The forward signed for Brighton in 2021 from boyhood club Bohemians and has since made 34 appearances and scored 10 goals for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Ferguson broke into the first team at Brighton last term, and has attracted interest from both United and rivals Arsenal.
In this Premier League campaign alone he has scored a hat-trick against Newcastle in their 3-1 victory – and also a goal against Luton.
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However Ferguson missed the majority of Saturday’s game as his side won 3-1 against the Red Devils, which just showed how much Man Utd have stagnated.
Brighton have seen some of their brightest youngsters poached for a much higher price than the £50m offered by United.
Midfielder Moises Caicedo left for Chelsea for a British record-breaking transfer fee of £115million.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s side will be hoping to prove Ferguson and the Seagulls wrong in their Champions League campaign opener against Kane’s Bayern Munich.
However, the last time they reached the final in the European competition was in 2008 and have only managed to reach the last eight twice in the last 11 years.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
