Evan Ferguson or Rasmus Hojlund? Roma approach Brighton for young striker but keeping eye on struggling Man Utd forward

According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are set to open talks with Brighton to sign Ferguson on loan ahead of the 2025-26 season, with an option to buy him next summer. The Serie A outfit are keen on bolstering their attack and have not ruled out a potential move for struggling Manchester United forward Hojlund either.

On Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano reported that Roma have decided to focus on Ferguson as a reinforcement in attack; he is at the top of the Giallorossi's wish list. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants to revitalise the attack in light of departures of Eldor Shomurodov and Tammy Abraham, who has joined Besiktas. Despite interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham, Roma appear to be in pole position to clinch the young Irishman.

The report from Gazzetta claims that Roma and Brighton are working on a loan deal, with an option to buy for around €25-30 million (£21-26m/$29-35m). This would give Roma time to assess him before making such an investment, allowing them to use their resources to strengthen other areas of the team, such as the right wing.

On the other hand, the option to sign Hojlund remains on the table, too. United would be open to letting the Danish international leave on loan this summer. Hojlund would be reunited with Gasperini at Roma, who launched his career at Atalanta, where he undoubtedly enjoyed his best season to date. Inter were also interested in the striker, but they then opted for Ange-Yoan Bonny, focusing their resources on other players. Hojlund, however, wishes to remain at Old Trafford and fight for a place under Ruben Amorim.

Having sold Joao Pedro to Chelsea for a sizeable fee, and Ferguson likely to head for an exit, Brighton will be intent on signing offensive reinforcements this summer. They have already signed teenage Greek sensation Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiakos and have been linked with a move for Liverpool's Harvey Elliott.