Manchester United reportedly feel they made the mistake of not signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson when given the chance.
Ferguson has had a stellar season under Roberto De Zerbi, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in all competitions this season.
And the 18-year-old's prolific form has caught the eye of Manchester United, who are hunting for the elite No 9 this summer.
However, much to Erik ten Hag's disappointment, the Red Devils almost bought him as a young player, something they could have saved hundreds of millions of dollars in during the transfer window.
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United's academy director Nick Cox has called the teenager a "more than £50m mistake", after the club were unable to tie him to a deal, according to Sky Sports. Indeed, the report states that "Brighton believes that if Ferguson continues his trajectory, he could become a £100m player".
Meanwhile, De Zerbi told Sky Sports he has no doubt Ferguson will 'become one of the best players and strikers in the Premier League', with comparisons drawn to striker Harry Kane of Tottenham.
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Ferguson to Manchester United?
Ferguson attracted attention from across the Premier League from an early age, having previously worked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton.
However, the Republic of Ireland international is said to feel his development would be best served at Brighton 'where the path to the first team is clear'.
Recently, United and Tottenham have called the striker a potential addition, according to Sky Sports. Advertisement
Although it is believed the two clubs won't begin their pursuit until the summer of 2024, the striker's current contract at Amex is set to expire in 2028.
While Ferguson is also touted as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland at Manchester City, should the Norwegian choose to move to new pastures in the near future.
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Man United need to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer market, but it is unclear what funds Erik ten Hag will use as the club continues to be taken over.
Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen his squad this summer, which will be essential if they are to secure Champions League spot. United need just one point from their last two Premier League games to break into the top four this season. Number nine was at the top of their priority list. Harry Kane is Erik ten Hag's top target despite concerns about having to negotiate with Daniel Levy.
The England captain has only a year left on his contract but Spurs are reluctant to sell their amulets. Levy is known to be a tough deal and United have worked hard to negotiate deals for Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick in the past.
Victor Osimhen is an alternative and will again cost the best, if not more, £100m. Undoubtedly, United need to spend big in this area of ??the pitch, but that leaves little room for mobility elsewhere in the team.
With the takeover still behind, fundraising and smart power in the transfer market will be key for United. Ten Hag are also open to signing a right-back and central midfielder and the club have already held talks with Bayer Leverkusen's agent, Jeremie Frimpong.
One area of ??the transfer market that United could tap into is picking the best talent from relegated Premier League sides. It is an approach that has served Liverpool well in the past. Leicester City's precarious position at the bottom of the Premier League table is something to watch. The Foxes entered the final day of the season with their safety in the hands of others.
Dean Smith needs his team to win and Everton to lose points or Leicester to be relegated to the Championship - a crushing fall for a team that won the title seven years ago.
If United have to stick to a budget, with most of their money spent on a centre-back, they could do worse than test the water with discounted deals for Leicester midfielders. James Maddison is a player that will be in high demand this summer, regardless of Leicester's position in the Premier League. Although the Englishman is not active at the forefront of the pitch in United's rise, Ten Hag may need support and competition for Bruno Fernandes as they play in Europe. Donny van den Beek's future is uncertain after the summer and he could be gone.
Likewise, United lack a central midfielder who can control the ball without Christian Eriksen. Youri Tielemans was a transfer target prior to his move to Leicester and he will be available on a free when his contract expires at the end of June.
Undoubtedly, the Belgium international has fallen short of his usual standards, but his top-flight history shows that he is an anomaly, in a poor team. Leicester. If United work on a budget, he could be targeted as another option for their midfield team.
Liverpool have enjoyed success with the signings of Gini Wijnaldum and Andy Robertson, both signed from Newcastle United and relegated Hull City respectively. Manchester City signed Nathan Ake from Bournemouth as they fell; This can be a path to success.
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