£60m-rated ex Celtic trialist available for loan from Premier League outfit as January window looms

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Brendan Rodgers made it no secret last summer he wanted to bolster his options at Celtic with one more player in his forward line.

And while it remains to be seen if the Hoops boss will revisit the situation in the upcoming transfer window in order to provide further competition for Kyogo and Adam Idah, one potential loan target who already has some history with the club has become available. According to the Daily Telegraph, Premier League side Brighton are willing to listen to loan offers for Republic of Ireland star Evan Ferguson.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene with 10 goals in 25 matches in the 2022/23 season, and at the end of that campaign was touted for a £60million move to several of the league's big dogs, including Liverpool and Manchester United. Ferguson's output dropped in 2023/24 with only six strikes in 36 outings, and the Drogheda-born forward has found regular minutes this season, with just three of his nine appearances coming from the start.

Ferguson is likely to have no shortage of interest from other Premier League clubs in recruiting his services on loan, but the youngster's previous history with Celtic could give the Hoops an advantage should they opt to join the transfer race. Before the striker made the switch from Irish side Bohemians to the south-coast of England with Brighton in January 2021, he had a trial at the Parkhead giants.

The 18-time Ireland cap - now an international teammate of Liam Scales and Matt O'Riley at club level - says there was never an offer from Celtic but reveals why he turned several other clubs down because of the prospect of first team football that Brighton would eventually offer him. He said: "Nah I don't think so. I went on a few trials when I was younger.

"I was on trial with Manchester United, Celtic, and Everton. I think from the outside it was obvious to see that [pathway] and most of the managers here have given chances to young players."

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