Transfer news and rumours: Evan Ferguson to Everton, Kaoru Mitoma to Al-Nassr, Marco Asensio to Aston Villa
Everton have reportedly joined West Ham United in the race for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson.
The 20-year-old’s future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Brighton believed to be willing to sell him in the latter stages of the January transfer window, while he could also potentially depart on loan.
West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen are among the clubs to be linked with the Republic of Ireland international, but according to The i Paper, there is also interest from Everton.
The report claims that the Toffees are considering bringing in a new forward before the end of the winter market and view Ferguson as a genuine target, but West Ham are seen as the favourites at this stage of proceedings.
Ferguson, once believed to be on the radars of Manchester United and Arsenal, has only scored once in 14 appearances for Brighton during the 2024-25 campaign.
In total, the striker has 17 goals and five assists in 79 matches for the Seagulls, including 13 goals and two assists in 59 appearances in the top flight of English football.
Al Nassr ‘planning £90m Mitoma bid’
Staying with Brighton, another attacker could potentially leave the Amex before the end of the January transfer window, with Al-Nassr said to be determined to secure the services of Kaoru Mitoma.
According to CBS Sports, Al-Nassr have failed with an initial £54m bid for the 27-year-old, but they are now planning to return with a new offer in the region of £90m in the hope of convincing Brighton to sell.
The report claims that senior figures for the Saudi Pro League outfit have travelled to England in the hope of securing a deal, and despite being desperate to keep hold of Mitoma, an offer in that region would be tough to turn down.
The 27-year-old has again been an important player for Brighton during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring five goals and registering three assists in 25 appearances in all competitions.
The forward made the move to the Amex from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021, and he has 18 goals and 16 assists in 92 appearances for Brighton, while his contract is due to run until June 2027.
Villa ‘in talks’ with PSG over Asensio move
Elsewhere, Aston Villa are allegedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential deal for Marco Asensio.
The Spaniard is expected to leave PSG in the latter stages of the January market, with a number of clubs linked with his services.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Villa are at the head of the queue for the former Real Madrid forward, who is keen to make the move to Unai Emery‘s side before the end of the winter transfer window.
Asensio has made 16 appearances for PSG during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring twice and registering four assists in the process.
Once regarded as one of the best young talents in world football, the 29-year-old made the move to the French capital on a free transfer in June 2023, and he has a record of seven goals and 11 assists in 47 appearances for the French champions in all competitions.
