Brighton boss Fabian Herzeler says he is open to Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso leaving on loan in January.
The highly-rated duo have seen reduced minutes for the Seagulls this season after returning from long injury layoffs last year.
Evan Ferguson transfer news
Ferguson is likely to interest a number of Premier League sides, with links to West Ham and Bournemouth – both in need of a striker.
The Republic of Ireland international arrived on the South Coast when new Hammers boss Graham Potter was in charge of Albion and had to fill the void left by injured No.9 Michail Antonio.
Bournemouth are also without a No9 after Evanilsson was ruled out for the rest of the season earlier this month.
“We will negotiate what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make the decision together,” Herzeler said of Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton’s trip to the Premier League in Ipswich on Thursday.
“This decision should be the best for the player and the club. We sent (Facundo) Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.
“We know the Premier League is a very good league to improve because it’s difficult, it’s intense, especially for young players. It’s the perfect customization environment.
“At the end of the day, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So when they improve in the league environment where we play as well, it’s always very helpful.
“So that’s why I’m not thinking about making other teams better, it’s more about what’s best for the player.”
Ferguson has made 12 league appearances this season, but only two of those have been starts and he has managed just one goal.
Julio Enciso transfer news
Encisco scored his first Brighton goal since May 2023 in the club’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Norwich on Saturday, but has also only started twice in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Atalanta in January.
Hurzeler said: “Julio has value, special abilities and a profile that helps us in different situations.
“He gives his all for the club because he says he really enjoys playing for Brighton and he has shown that on the pitch this season.
“We are very happy to have him here, but we always have to negotiate what is the best individual development for the player.”
