Chelsea to move for Evan Ferguson? Mauricio Pochettino responds to speculation Blues want to land £100m-rated Brighton star

Pochettino remained coy over the rumours and refused to be drawn into too much of a discussion on the young striker. The Blues have been linked with the 19-year-old who has six goals so far in the Premier League this season - although Brighton will only sanction a sale should they receive a record transfer bid.

Asked about Chelsea's links with Ferguson after his side's 1-0 win over Fulham, Pochettino said: "No. I’m not going to talk about rumours as I’m so respectful. We are not talking. We are assessing the squad and if something happens we will communicate."

Chelsea have been after a talismanic striker for a number of seasons and it is easy to see why Ferguson may be that man. The Brighton star became just the fourth player aged 18 or younger to score a Premier League hat-trick when he netted three against Newcastle this season.

It appears unlikely that Chelsea will sign Ferguson this January window and so any move will only be completed in the summer at the earliest. Brighton return to action a week on Monday against Wolves.