Man United eye blockbuster £50m 'perfect' striker raid as Crystal Palace plot bold Chelsea swoop

Manchester United are reportedly looking to continue their summer transfer spend by tempting Brighton and Hove Albion with a £50m offer for striker Evan Ferguson.

The Republic of Ireland international is believed to have been the subject of interest from several clubs since he burst on to the scene with goals against Arsenal, Everton and Leicester City in his first six Premier League appearances. Still only 19, the former Bohemians youngster took his form on to the international scene with three goals in 12 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and that tally including a strike on his senior debut in a 3-2 home win against Latvia.

Despite scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle United in the opening weeks of last season, Ferguson ended the campaign with just six goals in 36 appearances in all competition - but that has not quelled Manchester United’s interest according to the Daily Star. They claim the Red Devils are ‘weighing up’ a £50m offer for the striker after becoming concerned Chelsea will win the race for his signature.

The 3AM Verdict: “Firstly, it seems extraordinary to think Ferguson is still only 19 given the impact he made during his introduction to the Seagulls senior setup almost just under two years ago. There is no doubt he has ability in abundance and could be an astute signing if he continues to development over the coming years. As it stands, the reported fee seems to be based more on potential than anything else.”

Palace face Barca in unlikely battle for Chelsea youngster

Crystal Palace may well be focusing on negotiations over the possible sales of centre-back duo Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen - but that has not stopped the Eagles looking to add to their squad.

Head coach Oliver Glasner has already concluded deals for the likes of Japan international Daichi Kamada, Chadi Riad and Ismaila Sarr ahead of his first full season in charge at Selhurst Park. The need for more new faces is all too evident and The Sun have suggested Palace are now considering offering £45m double deal to London rivals Chelsea as they look to sign Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka.

However, there have been suggestions Barcelona could provide an unlikely rival for the signing of the latter as Hansi Flick aims to boost his midfield options as he puts the final touches to his squad ahead of his first season in charge of the Catalan giants. Several clubs have been linked with defender Chalobah after he was told his time with his boyhood club would come to an end this summer.

The 3AM verdict: Despite the sizeable outlay for the Chelsea duo, both Chukwuemeka and Chalobah feel like they would be good additions to an Eagles squad full of energy and enthusiasm. Both players would have plenty to prove and would surely relish an opportunity to earn regular game-time in the Premier League.

Southampton star targeted by Serie A club

There was some surprise when Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz joined Italian giants Juventus on loan in January.

The Argentina Under-23 international made 12 appearances during his temporary stint in Turin but was not offered an opportunity to make a permanent switch and is now back with the Saints as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. However, reports in Italy suggest Alcaraz may be handed a chance to return to Serie A after TuttoMercatoWeb revealed Lazio are ready to make a similar loan move for the midfielder over the coming days.

That deal could form part of a move that would see Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas moving to the Premier League club. Wolves are also said to be keen on the once-capped Greece international, with agent Jorge Mendes said to be a key player in the move due to his ‘relations’ with both clubs.

The 3AM Verdict: Alcaraz is without doubt a talented midfielder and didn’t really hit the heights during what was an unexpected move to Juventus. However, he is still highly-rated in Italy so there is no surprise to see Lazio considering a possible move for his services.