Celtic receive definitive Evan Ferguson update

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that Celtic target Evan Ferguson will stay at AS Roma for the rest of the season.

The Republic of Ireland international has become the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks. Ferguson initially found life in Italy’s capital difficult and had to bear the brunt of Gian Piero Gasperini’s brutal honesty.

The AS Roma boss repeatedly criticised the 21-year-old and publicly questioned his usefulness to the Serie A giants. However, Ferguson has managed to turn things somewhat around with four goals over the past month.

It had been rumoured that Ferguson could have his loan from Brighton cancelled, which piqued the interest of Celtic, but Roma sporting director Ricky Massara announced last week that he wants the young striker to stay.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has now echoed this, saying: “The window is open so everything can happen, but at the moment that’s the case [that he will stay]. We all agree that he has the potential to help us as a club, but now it’s about him.”

Ferguson drawing widespread transfer interest

While not surprising, Hurzeler’s comments are interesting in the sense that he seemingly fully expects Ferguson to still be a Brighton player next season. “He has to make sure that when he comes back, he is ready to immediately have an impact on us,” the German added.

This is intriguing because the Irishman is increasingly attracting the attention of suitors. In addition to Celtic, Napoli have been linked with Ferguson and apparently even held exploratory talks with his camp.

Now, Sky Sports reports that Fulham also hold an interest as they continue their search for a new centre-forward. Top target Ricardo Pepi has suffered an injury that will keep him out for two months, so Ferguson has emerged as an alternative.

Nottingham Forest, another Premier League club desperately scouring the market for a striker, are also listed among Ferguson’s admirers. However, the fact that Brighton don’t have a recall clause complicates the matter.

It means that not only will interested clubs first have to convince Roma to cancel his loan, they will then also have to negotiate a deal with Brighton. Massara’s comments suggest that the Giallorossi are not desperate to get rid of Ferguson, but they should be taken with a grain of salt.

In the same interview, the Italian claimed that Roma signing Marseille youngster Robinio Vaz was unlikely, only for the two parties to agree a deal a couple of days later.

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