The Hammers are in talks with the Seagulls over a deal for the Republic of Ireland international in the January transfer window, as TEAMtalk reveals what Ferguson wants to do about his future

West Ham have received a boost in their pursuit of Brighton forward Evan Ferguson after Victor Boniface’s proposed move to Al Nassr was called off. Bayer Leverkusen were leading the race to sign Ferguson but their need for a striker has been eased after Al Nassr struck a deal for Jhon Duran, meaning Boniface will stay at Leverkusen.

Ferguson has returned to first-team training and is available for selection after a seven-game layoff with an ankle injury. However, the Republic of Ireland forward has found it hard to force his way into Hurzeler’s first-team plans this season given the impressive form of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro.

The West Ham roster has been hit by a spate of injuries, with Michail Antonio recovering from a car accident, Niclas Fullkrug sidelined again, and Jarrod Bowen returning from an injury. Ferguson is expected to leave the Seagulls on loan before the transfer window closes,

West Ham United’s proposal to sign PSV striker Ricardo Pepi has been rejected. The offer was a loan with an obligation to buy, worth in the region of £21million ($25m). West Ham are in the market for a forward in January with Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion,