West Ham sign Brighton striker Ferguson on loan

West Ham on Monday signed Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old Ireland international will be reunited with Graham Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager at the London Stadium last month.

Ferguson has made 13 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls this season, but most of those have been off the bench.

Brighton boss Fabian Huerzeler said the loan would give the highly rated Ferguson much-needed game time.

“Evan has had a frustrating 12 months with injuries and for him to get back to the level he’s capable of and to continue his development, he really needs to be playing regularly,” he said.

“This loan gives him that opportunity, and under a manager he knows well. We are looking forward to watching Evan’s progress over the next few months, and we wish him well.”

Ferguson has made 80 appearances in all competitions for Brighton since his debut as a 16-year-old in the League Cup under Potter, scoring 17 goals.

He will boost West Ham’s attacking options in the absence of Michail Antonio and Niclas Fuellkrug, both of whom are injured.

“It feels good to be here. Seeing the stadium and being here today, I’ve got a very good feeling,” Ferguson told West Ham TV.

“I can see and know how big West Ham United is. It was a big opportunity for me to come here. I know the gaffer well and look forward to working under him again.”

Potter said Ferguson had “plenty of quality attributes” that would help the team, currently 15th in the Premier League.