Chelsea face SHOCK competition for Nkunku replacement

Cameron Smith

Updated: 25 Nov 2024 11:59 GMT
3 min read

Leicester City are reportedly eyeing an ambitious January move for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson.

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The Foxes, who sacked Steve Cooper following their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, are in the market for a new centre forward as they look to avoid an immediate relegation back to the Championship.

Jamie Vardy is the club’s top goalscorer with four Premier League goals so far this term, but he is now 37 years old and Leicester are hoping to sign a long-term replacement for the former England international in 2025.

As a result, Ferguson has emerged as a key target for Leicester, according to The Sun, although the Foxes will be unable to sign him on loan due to the fact Facundo Buonanotte and Odsonne Edouard are already at the King Power Stadium on temporary spells.

Leicester will therefore need to sign the Republic of Ireland international on a permanent deal if they want to bring him to the Midlands in 2025.

Brighton have previously demanded a fee in excess of €120 million for Ferguson, meaning it’s unlikely that Leicester will be able to fund a move for the 20-year-old.

The Sun claim that Fabian Hurzeler’s side are open to sending Ferguson out on loan in January, with Championship outfit Burnley eager to sign him if he is willing to drop down a division.

© IMAGO - Evan Ferguson in action for the Republic of Ireland

Evan Ferguson to Chelsea?

Ferguson has only scored twice in his last 38 games for club and country, but he reportedly remains a target for Chelsea amid Christopher Nkunku’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

The France international has scored 10 goals in all competitions so far this season, but he hasn’t started a Premier League match since Chelsea’s opening day loss to Manchester City and he isn’t happy with his current situation in west London.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Nkunku in recent weeks, although it remains to be seen if Ruben Amorim will green-light a transfer for the 27-year-old.