Brighton striker Evan Ferguson could find himself at a new club in the near future, after finding himself out of favour following a change in manager and injury affecting his playing time on the south coast. Some Newcastle United fans in the Chronicle Live comments section would snap him up in a heartbeat.

The young Republic of Ireland forward broke through to the senior Brighton squad in 2022, and a 2023 hat-trick against the Magpies set tongues wagging. Writing for The Athletic, Alan Shearer once said of Ferguson: “Left foot, right foot, headers, pace, aggression, intuition; there is no obvious weakness to his game, which is only going to get better and better. He has the lot.”

Ferguson's rapid rise has been halted since then, and he is reported to be seeking more playing time at another club. Brighton would be willing to take a loan or permanent deal for the right price, with manager Fabian Hurzeler using the 20-year-old striker sparingly this season.

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Eddie Howe could find a solution to his striker worries in Ferguson, if he believes that he needs one. Alexander Isak has carried the brunt of the burden this season, with the undoubtedly talented Callum Wilson continuing to suffer unfortunate setbacks - and an injury to a high-flying Isak would be a major problem.

Reader Jonnythebrave thinks that Newcastle United could get the best out of Ferguson: “Just another space filler but, I'd take him, he wouldn't cost that much and so wouldn't be such a big gamble for a player who's lost his way and needs a good coach to get him back to his previous level. Enter Eddie Howe. Just ask Joelinton, Schar, Almiron (for a while), Gordon and now Dubravka!”

Commenter Axepete writes: “I have said it for ages, and I agree with Shearer 100%, grab Ferguson while we can. I honestly believe he has all the attributes to become become a Newcastle legend!”

Motivation says: “Striker is the number one position that needs strengthening. An injury to Alexander Isak (god forbid) would be season over.”

1snowbear writes: “Suggested we go for Ferguson 18 months ago, would he come to the Toon? In my opinion yes, I think he would be a great asset.” GeordieDharma agrees: “No brainer, Eddie and staff will work wonders for him.”

Paxx thinks that Ferguson is too much of a unknown quantity: “The most goals he scored in a league season is 6! Mind you he did manage it twice, 6 from 19 games and 6 from 27 which included the hat-trick against us. So when people are saying Eddie can get him back to his best, do they mean he can get him to score 6 in a season?”

Have your say! Would Ferguson fit the bill as a backup to Alexander Isak? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.