Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is being monitored by Manchester United, who have acknowledged they made an error in not signing him following a youth team trial.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season with the Seagulls, netting 10 goals across just 14 starts this campaign. The Irishman has already demonstrated his credentials of performing at the top level with his performances attracting attention from other Premier League clubs.
Ferguson joined Brighton aged 16 from Dublin-based Bohemians, having also trialled at Old Trafford. United have accepted that the striker slipped through their net and are long-term admirers of the striker, whom they are considering making an approach to sign in the future.
As detailed by Sky, Manchester United's academy director Nick Cox recently labelled the teenager a "£50m-plus mistake". Not only did this accept that the club should have signed him but indicated that they would be willing to splash out to secure his signature.
Ferguson had trails with United, Liverpool, Everton and Celtic after coming to prominence when featuring in a friendly with Bohemians against Chelsea in 2019. No move was completed for a further two years when he joined Brighton.
Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi, under whom Ferguson has risen to prominence, recently insisted that Ferguson "will become one of the best players and strikers in the Premier League". Tottenham and Manchester City are also said to have a long-term admiration of the Irish striker.
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United are prioritising the signing of a central striker this summer. Anthony Martial, whose future at Old Trafford beyond this summer, is the only specialist player in the position in the senior squad with Wout Weghorst's loan deal from Burnley expiring at the end of the season.
Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane are both among the options being evaluated by United. There is also admiration for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Goncalo Ramos of Benfica, with at least one arrival expected in the position this summer.
Last month, Ferguson committed his future to Brighton after signing a long-term contract until 2028. He will not be leaving the South Coast club this summer but a future switch to a Premier League rival is expected.
