Manchester United scouts are reportedly set to travel to Dublin to watch Evan Ferguson in action for the Republic of Ireland against France.
The 18-year-old had stood out for the Seagulls in the Premier League 2 campaign which led to boss Roberto De Zerbi calling him up for the first team post-World Cup. Since then, the teenager has scored three goals in 10 Premier League appearances.
The Bettystown native then scored his first goal for Ireland on his international debut as Stephen Kenny's side beat Latvia 3-2 last Wednesday and he is expected to start against France on Monday.
READ MORE: Stephen Kenny vows to unleash 'fire and ice' on France
According to The Sun, Ferguson's form has caught United's interest as they look for a centre forward in the summer. However, the tabloid claims that Ferguson is in no hurry to leave the south coast and is willing to continue his development with Brighton for the time being.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is determined to prevent the teenager from adding another chapter to his football fairytale as France and Ireland head into Euro 2024 battle.
The 24-year-old Paris St Germain superstar will captain Didier Deschamps’ side in Dublin having scored two goals in Friday’s 4-0 rout of the Netherlands to go with the three he scored in the World Cup final in December.
He could find himself on the same pitch as 18-year-old Ferguson, although the Frenchman and his team-mates are ready to put the brakes on his rapid rise.
Asked about the teenager, Mbappe said: “We’ve seen some clips about him, of course. He’s a good striker, an important striker for that team.
“But we hope tomorrow he’s going to do nothing and that means we are going to win and we’re going to do our job. But he is a good player.”
Mbappe’s double against the Dutch took him to 38 senior international goals, just three fewer than Michel Platini, the next target in his sights.
He said: “For me, it’s an honour to be at this stage. That’s my next target and I’ll keep going, It might be tomorrow, it might not.
“Obviously Michel Platini is a legend of French football, but I’ll get past that mark at some point.”
READ NEXT:
Rory McIlroy suffers stunning defeat to Cameron Young as Sam Burns beats Scottie Scheffler
Pat Ryan signals intention to challenge Eoin Downey red card as Cork fall to Kilkenny in League semi
- Kylian Mbappé targeting hat-trick against Ireland to match French legend
- Galway see off Mayo to book place in Division One final
- Dessie Farrell on Stephen Cluxton's return to Dublin panel
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
