David Sullivan has taken a monumental gamble which could result in London rivals Chelsea beating West Ham to the signing of Evan Ferguson.
West Ham and Chelsea are battling it out to try and sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson before Monday’s 11pm deadline.
Ironically the Hammers actually play Chelsea on deadline day to add an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings.
West Ham and Chelsea are not the only clubs jostling for Ferguson.
Not if you listen to the Hammers hierarchy after West Ham revealed they are competing with 20 clubs for Ferguson this week.
A deal has reportedly been edging closer between the Hammers and Seagulls.
But Chelsea have muddied the water by emerging as serious contenders for the 20-year-old Irishman.
The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg – who has strong sources inside the London Stadium – claims West Ham were confident of closing a deal to sign Ferguson either on loan with an obligation of for around £40m.
But the same journalist broke news yesterday that Chelsea are trying to hijack West Ham’s Ferguson deal.
West Ham open door for Chelsea to sign Ferguson
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has made it clear Ferguson will get his wish to leave before Monday’s 11pm deadline.
There was encouragement for West Ham and Chelsea when it emerged the Brighton are already planning for life without Ferguson.
However, brutally honest Enzo Maresca handed the Hammers a huge boost.
The Chelsea boss has told Ferguson – who Hurzeler says wants to go somewhere he can play week in, week out – that he will be rotated with Nicolas Jackson.
Ferguson has also reportedly been told Chelsea are unsure about signing him permanently.
Advantage Hammers then? Think again.
Because West Ham have opened the door for Chelsea to sign Ferguson as David Sullivan takes a major gamble.
It has been clear from the start that Brighton want an obligation to buy included in any loan deal for Ferguson.
The south coast club would clearly prefer a permanent deal at their £40m asking price in this window.
But an obligation is the next best thing.
West Ham were said to be closing on Ferguson by Sullivan confidants Claret and Hugh.
Hammers chief Sullivan takes major gamble in Ferguson talks
Chelsea looked like they had little hope of hijacking the move when the site revealed a West Ham source had told them the move for Ferguson is now ‘highly likely’ and ‘the player wants it’.
They also added ‘the clubs are talking’.
Well unfortunately for West Ham, those talks have hit a brick wall – according to the very same site.
Claret and Hugh are now reporting that Sullivan has moved the goalposts by insisting West Ham only want Ferguson on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
Worse still he has told Brighton the Hammers want to structure the deal without having ‘any significant upfront commitment’.
West Ham fans are already angry the club has not signed a striker with just over 48 hours to go until the window slams shut.
Especially as the Irons knew they needed one before long-term injuries to Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug.
Excitement had been building about a move for Ferguson – despite his questionable injury record in the last year.
Now it seems Sullivan is playing with fire by altering the deal. And that decision could have scuppered it altogether.
The report claims the talks between West Ham and Brighton are now at a ‘stalemate’.
And that leaves the path clear for Chelsea to do yet another deal with Brighton.
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