Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says he is open to Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso leaving on loan in January.
The highly-rated duo have had reduced minutes for the Seagulls this season after returning from lengthy injury layoffs over the past 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 of whom are in need of a striker.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived on the south coast when new Hammers boss Graham Potter was in charge of the Albion and was expected to fill the void left by injured No.9 Michail Antonio.
Bournemouth are also currently without a number 9 after Evanilson was ruled out of the remainder of the season earlier this month.
“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve best and then we will make the decision together,” Hurzeler said on Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton trip in the Premier League at Ipswich 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 to improve, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players. It’s the ideal environment to adapt.
“At the end of the day they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So when they improve in the environment of the league we play in as well, it’s always very helpful.
“That’s why I don’t think about making other teams better, but rather what’s best for the player.”
Ferguson has made 12 league appearances this season, but only two of them have been from the start, while he has scored just one goal.
Julio Enciso transfer news
Encisco scored his first Brighton goal since scoring his first goal since May 2023 in the club’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Norwich on Saturday, but has also only started twice in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Atalanta in 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 enjoys playing for Brighton and he has shown that on the pitch this season.
“We are really happy to have him here, but we still have to negotiate what is the best individual development for the player.”
