Leeds attempted to find a striker on the cheap during the summer transfer window.
Two free transfers materialised to bolster that area for Daniel Farke in Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while the loan market was also explored.
Leeds considered Evan Ferguson after Brighton made the Irishman available for a loan move, but eventually lost out to Roma.
Now, however, a story from Gazzetta dello Sport opens the door for Leeds to have another go.
Evan Ferguson set to return to England after ignoring Leeds United for Roma
It was the Daily Mail who claimed that Leeds were keen on the Republic of Ireland international before his switch to Rome.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
Now, the 21-year-old is set to be back on the market, as Gazzetta dello Sport believe Roma will return him to Brighton in January after he failed to impress Gian Piero Gasperini.
Ferguson has made just five starts in Serie A so far this season, and only has one goal for Roma.
It remains to be seen what happens with the man born in Bettystown, but seeing as it was Fabian Hurzeler himself who allowed him to depart, we doubt there will be an opening for him at Brighton this season.
Therefore, if Leeds remain interested, the chances of a loan to Elland Road seem high.
Leeds United have a chance to secure Michael Owen 2.0 for a bargain fee
Ferguson burst onto the scene at Brighton, winning their Young Player of the Season award for 2022/23 after netting six goals in 19 Premier League appearances that season.
It led to huge fanfare around the youngster, with Scott Minto even comparing him to both Michael Owen and Erling Haaland. He told talkSPORT: “When he’s in front of goal, he’s got a very different physique, but he looks like Michael Owen… who is the best finisher out there at the moment?
“Erling Haaland. He plays between the sticks…Ferguson is one of those who knows what he needs to do. He knows he needs to stay between the sticks.”
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“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position
Roma even had a £40m option to buy the Irishman permanently if his loan went well.
Brighton will now struggle to justify agreeing such a clause with another club, so Leeds have a way to take Ferguson – once valued at £100m – on loan for a much lower option to buy in January.
If that happens and he does well, Leeds could get themselves a precocious striking talent for a bargain sum.
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