Evan Ferguson is being lined up for a move to Bologna as Roma look to pull the plug on his loan deal.
The Brighton striker has struggled for consistency since joining the Italian giants in the summer.
He has made 16 Serie A appearances, 10 of which have been as a starter, and has scored three goals.
Boss Gianpiero Gasperini has publicly criticised his performances, which cast doubt on his immediate future beyond the January transfer window.
Evan Ferguson Wanted By Bologna
According to reports in Italy, Roma’s Serie A rivals are ready to take Ferguson off their hands if the club decide to terminate his deal.
Ferguson’s future was left increasingly ominous on Sunday when he was an unused substitute in the 1-1 home draw with AC Milan.
That is despite Roma falling behind on 62 minutes and their necessity to close the four-point gap on their opponents in the title race.
Gasperini opted to replace new signing Donyell Malen with 18-year-old forward Robinio Vaz, which is further evidence that he doesn’t deem Ferguson as part of his plans in the future.
The Roma boss would be looking to add one more striker before allowing Ferguson to leave, particularly as the Europa League knockouts await.
Joshua Zirkzee remains an option, but Manchester United’s change of manager in recent weeks put a hold on any deal.
A move to Bologna would be on loan due to their financial constraints.
They currently sit in eighth and are hoping to push for a European finish in the second half of the campaign.
A Return To Brighton?
Ferguson’s career is heading into a quandary as he weighs up his next move.
His stock has dropped dramatically since hitting the headlines as a teenager breaking through the ranks at the Amex Stadium and being linked with Manchester United.
Injuries and a loss of form meant he failed to score a league goal in 12 months, which he finally ended in October by scoring against Cremonese.
That also involved a disastrous six-month loan spell with West Ham.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler recently said that Ferguson “remained an option” for his team selection, but his quotes were non-committal.
He’d return to the Amex behind Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter in the pecking order, and another loan move may be in the offering.
Celtic could be a likely destination for Ferguson and could be a prime opportunity for him to start scoring goals regularly.
