TFG finance update as Brighton get ready to sell Ferguson amid Everton news

Everton are highly unlikely to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton in the winter transfer window due to PSR constraints, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The Echo reported on 28 January that after Brighton made the 20-year-old striker available to sign on a permanent deal before 3 February [The Athletic, 28 January], the Blues are one of several clubs who would be keen on buying him.

However, despite the Toffees having increased spending power following The Friedkin Group's takeover, PSR constraints mean they'll still be unable to shell out tens of millions on signing the Irish international.

The possibility of a loan deal for Ferguson at Goodison Park before the deadline also looks unlikely, given their two domestic loan spots are currently taken up by Jack Harrison and Armando Broja.

Evan Ferguson transfer looks a long shot for Everton

As a striker who is still just 20 and burst onto the scene with a glut of goals for Brighton two seasons ago, it's no surprise to see Ferguson attracting the attention of numerous Premier League clubs.

However, the Toffees' need for a striker is more desperate than most of the competition, with David Moyes currently having just Beto at his disposal following injuries to Broja and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

A difficult winter window thanks to the Blues' past PSR sins was always on the cards, with any incomings whatsoever only ever likely to be facilitated by players heading the other way for decent transfer fees [Mail on Sunday, 29 December].

Calvert-Lewin's injury just six months out from his contract expiring rules out any chance of an early exit, and Beto – who had looked close to a Serie A switch earlier this month – is now firmly back in the fold.

The prospect of sending Broja back to parent club Chelsea following his own recent injury has also been ruled out, and with no domestic loan spots free, a permanent deal for Ferguson looks to be off the cards.

In other Everton news, the Toffees risk missing the boat on an out-of-contract Premier League star after a new bid was made.

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