Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says he is open to Evan Ferguson and Julio Encis leaving on loan this January.
The highly-rated duo have seen reduced minutes for the Seagulls this season after returning from a lengthy injury layoff last year.
Evan Ferguson transfer news
Ferguson is likely to be of interest to a number of Premier League sides, with links to West Ham and Bournemouth – both in need of a striker.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived on the south coast when new Hammers boss Graham Potter was in charge at Albion and needed to fill the void left by injured No.9 Michail Antonio.
Bournemouth are also currently without 9th place after Evanilson was ruled out for the rest of the season earlier this month.
“We will discuss what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can best progress and then we will make a decision together,” Hurzeler said of Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton’s visit to Ipswich in the Premier League on Thursday.
“This decision should be the best for the player and the club. We sent [Facundo] Buonanotte, for example, in Leicester.
“We know that the Premier League is a very good league that needs to be improved, because it is difficult, intense, especially for young players. It is the perfect environment for adaptation.
“At the end of the day, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So when they thrive in the environment of the league we play in, that’s always a big help.
“So that’s why I don’t think about making other teams better, it’s more about what’s best for the player.”
Ferguson made 12 appearances in the league this season, but only two of them were starts, while he scored just one goal.
News about the transfer of Julio Encis
Encisco scored his first goal for Brighton since May 2023 in the club’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Norwich on Saturday, but has made just two Premier League starts.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Atalanta this January.
Hurzeler said: “Julio has value, special potential and a profile that helps us in different situations.
“He gives everything for the club because he says he really likes playing for Brighton and he has shown that on the pitch this season.
“We are really happy to have him here, but we always have to negotiate what is the best individual development for the player.”
