Brighton boss Fabian Herzeler says he is open to letting Ivan Ferguson and Julio Anciso leave on loan this January.

The highly-rated duo has reduced minutes for the Seagulls this season after returning from a long injury layoff last year.

Evan Ferguson transfer news

Ferguson is likely to interest a number of Premier League sides, with links to West Ham and Bournemouth – both of whom are in need of a striker.

The Republic of Ireland international arrived on the south coast while new Hammers boss Graham Potter was in charge of Albion and needed to fill the void left by injured No9 Michel Antonio.

Bournemouth are also currently without the No.9 after Evenilson was ruled out for the rest of the season earlier this month.

“We will discuss what is important for him, what is important for his development, where he can improve the best and then we will make a decision together,” Herzeler said of Ferguson’s future ahead of Brighton’s Premier League trip to Ipswich on Thursday.

“This decision has to be the best for the player and the club. We sent (Facundo) Buonanotte, for example, to Leicester.

“We know the Premier League is a very good league to improve in, because it’s tough, it’s intense, especially for young players. It is the perfect environment to adapt to.

“At the end of the day, they want to play for Brighton and we want them to play for Brighton. So, when they improve the atmosphere of the league where we also play, it is always very helpful.

“So, that’s why I don’t think about making other teams better, it’s more about what’s best for the player.”

Ferguson has made 12 league appearances this season but only two of those have been starts, scoring just one goal.

Julio Enciso transfer news

Encisco scored his first Brighton goal since May 2023 in the club’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Norwich on Saturday but has also started just twice in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Atlanta this January.

Herzeler said: “Julio has value, special potential and a profile that helps us in different situations.

“He’s giving everything for the club because he says he really loves playing for Brighton and he’s shown that on the pitch this season.

“We are really happy to have him here, but we always have to negotiate what is the best personal development for the player.”