SkySport news: Man City plot terrifying deal over Liverpool to land Brighton striker in 12 hours

Ferguson produced a career-best performance against Newcastle last weekend, bagging a hat-trick to help the Seagulls maintain their impressive start to the new campaign. He is now said to have emerged as a potential target for City, who are reportedly willing to play him alongside Erling Haaland in what would be a formidable strike partnership.

Such a move would represent a major kick in the teeth for Liverpool, who had Ferguson on trial before he signed for Brighton at the start of 2021. He began his career in his native Ireland with Bohemians but was quickly identified as a target by the Reds, who noticed his sky-high potential from the outset.

Ferguson spent time in Liverpool’s academy on a trial basis but ultimately opted to join Brighton, believing that it would be a better environment for him to develop as a young player. He admitted last year that he was also being pursued by the likes of Everton, Celtic and Manchester United before linking up with the Seagulls.