Sunderland AFC facing inevitable transfer blow as West Ham position in player race becomes clear | OneFootball

The Hammers have been strongly linked with the Republic of Ireland international.

The current transfer window has been the most audacious in Sunderland's recent history, with the club making several sizable bids for attacking talent.

Having already pulled off a major coup in signing Enzo Le Fee, the club also tried to lure Tom Cannon to Wearside for big money, but were outbid by Sheffield United.

Perhaps the most eye-catching move of the window would be for Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson, who the Black Cats have been linked with.

However, with clubs like West Ham United making their interest known, it feels like Sunderland are facing a losing battle in attempting to sign the striker.

Sunderland linked with Evan Ferguson

Unsurprisingly, Ferguson is a wanted man. The 20-year-old burst onto the scene as a teenager and turned heads after scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle United last season.

However, the Republic of Ireland international's form has spluttered and, as a result, the Seagulls are open to him leaving on loan.

Sunderland are one of a host of clubs linked with the striker, with Regis Le Bris' side desperate to add to their forward line before the deadline.

The Black Cats have been linked with a range of names across Europe, with Chuba Akpom, Ben Brereton Diaz and Cannon all touted with potential moves.

Ferguson's name certainly stands out from the crowd and if Sunderland are truly trying to sign the Irishman, then it shows a significant statement of intent.

The 20-year-old looks a real talent and even if he has fallen out of favour at The Amex Stadium, it is definitely worth taking a punt on his ability.

West Ham rumours effectively end Sunderland's hopes of signing Ferguson

Another club who have been striving to sign a striker is West Ham, who are looking to fill the void left by Michael Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug.

The Hammers have been playing without a recognised striker under Potter and have utilised Lucas Paqueta in a false nine role to some success.

However, Potter is keen to bolster his front line as the East London club aim to distance themselves from the relegation zone, and it appears Ferguson is his number one target.

That is according to talkSPORT, who claim that Potter is keen to reunite with the player he managed during his Brighton days, with that factor giving the Hammers the edge.

Further news on Ferguson's future suggests that the 20-year-old could be set to join German champions Bayer Leverkusen, according to The Telegraph.

Such news will put a dagger in the heart of the Sunderland rumours as a Premier League or Bundesliga destination would surely be preferable for the Brighton man.

Of course, the signing of Ferguson would be a pipe dream sort of signing for the Black Cats. Furthermore, when they are up against clubs like West Ham, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, they face a losing battle.

With only days remaining before the transfer deadline, the Wearsiders are still yet to add to their front line, which was highlighted as a priority area during the window.