Chelsea tipped to sign 'Harry Kane heir' after Mauricio Pochettino drops major transfer hint

Owen Hargreaves has backed Chelsea to leapfrog the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign Evan Ferguson. The 18-year-old striker has been heavily linked with an exit from Brighton after becoming the sixth-youngest player to ever score a hat-trick in the Premier League just before the international break.

Ferguson, who sees his contract at the Amex Stadium expire in 2028, has featured four times for the Seagulls in the English top-flight this term, netting four goals. The Ireland international's impressive performances have reportedly courted the interest of some top clubs across Europe – and the Blues have been tipped to secure his signature.

«That was against the best defence in the Premier League last season. Dan Burn looked very worried about Ferguson,» said Hargreaves on The Kelly & Wrighty Show following Brighton's win over Newcastle. «I like the fact that all three goals were different.

»The first one was an easy one, he was in the right spot. The second was a great goal. He’s a bit of an old school centre-forward, he’s got that physical profile."

Then, when the former Manchester United midfielder was asked which club the striker will join next, he named the west London outfit as the most likely destination. Hargreaves said: «Probably Chelsea because they buy all of Brighton’s players.»

If Mauricio Pochettino does manage to get his hands on Ferguson, the Blues boss could help him realise his incredible potential. Speaking on Brighton’s YouTube channel earlier this summer, Glenn Murray claimed that the Irishman has the ability to reach Kane's level one day.

The former Seagulls striker said: «I believe he could be sort of Harry Kane’s level, his stature, his ability. The thing that bowls me