Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson is a name that has been mentioned at Birmingham City but nothing more advanced has materialised yet, according to Birmingham Live.

The 18-year-old looks set to struggle for first-team football at the Amex Stadium between now and the end of the campaign - and could potentially be sent out on loan because of this.

Despite only being 18 at this stage, he has already made his debut for the Republic of Ireland senior team and is another promising Brighton player that could be set for a loan spell in the EFL.

 

 

The teenager wouldn't be short of interest if he did make a temporary switch during the winter window despite only making one senior appearance this season, scoring in a Carabao Cup tie against Forest Green Rovers after starting against the League One outfit.

Bristol City, Sheffield United, Millwall, Middlesbrough, Preston North End and Wigan Athletic are the Championship sides believed to be keeping a close eye on the Irishman ahead of a potential approach in January, with third-tier outfit Ipswich Town also entering the race.

In terms of Birmingham's interest though, they haven't made a major move for him yet despite the player being mentioned as a potential target at St Andrew's.

The Verdict:

Birmingham are in need of a mobile striker to supply them with something different up top because the likes of Troy Deeney and Scott Hogan aren't exactly the greatest runners.

At 18, Ferguson should be able to provide that pace and could be a refreshing option to have from the bench for John Eustace who has already shown that he's willing to give young players a chance.

The likes of George Hall and Hannibal Mejbri have done extremely well under their current manager and that should give the forward plenty of confidence that he can progress well if he heads to St Andrew's.

Eustace already has links with the Republic of Ireland from his time as a coach with the national team so he could potentially contact former colleagues to ask how he can get the best out of the youngster.

And this is one reason why a move for the 18-year-old would make sense for the Midlands outfit, although his inexperience may be a worry to some with the player only turning 18 last month.