Ferguson's Brighton future still unclear

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson in action against Crystal Palace last month

Less than two weeks to go now before the transfer window closes and still no clarity over the short-term future of striker Evan Ferguson.

The Republic of Ireland star is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and it is not entirely clear whether he will be fit when the window closes on 3 February.

Brighton are open minded about letting Ferguson move on loan. They can see the benefits of the 20-year-old playing regularly – although it would have to be regularly.

However, they are also mindful Danny Welbeck's injury record is patchy and Joao Pedro has also missed matches this season. The last thing Brighton want is to get deeper into the season and discover they are short in the forward department, while Ferguson is scoring goals elsewhere.

Brighton also have decisions to make over Tariq Lamptey and Joel Veltman, who are both out of contract at the end of the season. However, the club do have an option to extend on Veltman's deal, which they still have to decide whether to activate. And, while Lamptey is free to talk to other clubs, Brighton could yet offer him an extension.