Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion starlet Evan Ferguson this summer, with the Irishman having made a promising start to life at senior level.

What's the latest on Ferguson to Newcastle?

According to The Mirror, the Magpies are said to be 'monitoring' the 18-year-old's progress at the Amex Stadium at present, with the report noting that the teenage sensation has even earned comparisons to St James' Park icon Alan Shearer due to his goalscoring exploits.

The Tynesiders are likely to have competition in their bid to land the 6 foot 1 menace, though, with The Sun having reported earlier this month that Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also 'weighing up' a move for the teenager.

Could Ferguson replace Wilson at Newcastle?

This mooted search for a potential long-term striking option in Eddie Howe's squad comes amid the frustrating display of current number nine Callum Wilson during Sunday's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

That 2-0 loss at Wembley saw the Englishman produce a rather anonymous outing in attack, as he made just 25 touches in total and won only three of his eight duels, having also lost possession seven times as a marker of his struggles.

The 31-year-old produced what can only be described as an 'ineffectual display' against the Red Devils - as per Daily Express journalist Neil Squires - having also failed to score in any of his five starts in the competition this season.

While the former Bournemouth man does have seven goals to his name in 17 league matches so far this term, the forward's persistent injury woes have been something of a problem throughout his time at the club, hence the possible need to acquire a replacement.

Should Howe be keen to find a suitable heir, then turning to young Ferguson could prove something of a masterstroke, with the highly-coveted asset having already scored three goals and provided two assists in just seven top-flight games this season.

The prolific gem - who has previously scored 18 goals in just 39 games for Brighton's U21 side - had been earmarked as a real talent even prior to making his first-team debut, having been described as a "goalscoring machine" at youth level by former League of Ireland player and manager Alan Mathews.

Also lauded as "phenomenal" by team-mate Solly March, the twice-capped Republic of Ireland international has already made a big impression in his embryonic senior career to date, having also lined out four times for his former club Bohemians prior to joining the Seagulls in 2021.

As previously stated, those at Newcastle will also be intrigued by the towering marksman's apparent likeness to club legend Shearer, having been described by pundit Tim Sherwood as similar to the former England skipper "in his pomp" after netting against Leicester City earlier this season.

To think that Howe and co could have a potential successor to the now-retired Geordie hero - who remains the club's highest-ever scorer - is a truly exciting prospect, with getting such a talent through the door this summer possibly allowing for Wilson to be moved elsewhere.