West Ham United boss Graham Potter has reportedly identified Evan Ferguson as his top striker target ahead of next month’s transfer deadline.
Ferguson has been linked with a loan departure after making just two starts in 12 Premier League appearances this season.
According to talkSPORT, Potter is keen to reunite with Ferguson after previously working with the forward during his time as Brighton head coach.
The report states that the West Ham manager views the Republic of Ireland international as his first-choice option to solve his striker woes.
The Hammers are currently light on centre-forward options, with Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio all sidelined.
West Ham are ready to step up their interest if it becomes clear that Brighton will sanction a loan departure before the February 3 deadline.
However, they could face competition from several other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Bournemouth and Everton.
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Mannsverk set to complete Cardiff switch
In the Championship, Cardiff City are reportedly on the verge of bolstering Omer Riza‘s side with the addition of Ajax midfielder Sivert Mannsverk.
The Bluebirds have already strengthened their forward options with the signing of Yousef Salech from Swedish club Sirius.
According to BBC Sport, Cardiff are set to make Ajax’s Mannsverk their second signing of the January transfer window.
The report claims that Mansverk is on the brink of joining the Bluebirds on loan until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The 22-year-old has already completed his medical after agreeing personal terms with the Championship side, who are sitting in 18th place in the table with a four-point gap to the drop zone.
Mannsverk will bolster Cardiff’s midfield options which have been hit by injuries to Aaron Ramsey and David Turnbull.
The Norwegian will be looking to get regular playing time after being restricted to just two first-team appearances at Ajax this term.
He’s only 27 but brings us a wealth of experience. 👏
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) January 27, 2025
Dowell joins Birmingham on loan
Meanwhile, in League One, promotion contenders have signed attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell on loan from Rangers until the end of the season.
The 27-year-old has struggled for playing time this season, having started just three of his 16 competitive appearances for Philippe Clement‘s side.
Dowell will now hope to gain regular game time in League One after being Birmingham’s second signing of the winter transfer window following the addition of defender Grant Hanley.
“I am buzzing to get going, it has happened really fast, but I spoke to Craig Gardner and Chris Davies and they are both so ambitious,” Dowell told Blues TV.
“The lads here are absolutely flying at the moment and there is a really positive feel about the place. It is a good chance for me to come and play football, come and play for a team who like to dominate the ball.
“I have always thrived playing in teams that like to control the ball, and speaking to the Manager I was completely sold with the way he wants to play.”
The former Norwich City man will look to help in Birmingham’s promotion bid, with Davies’s side sitting in top spot with a five-point lead over third-placed Wrexham.
