Brighton owner: We won't have any deal with Chelsea in the next couple of years

Evan Ferguson is one of the most coveted young strikers in the world at the moment and a transfer to Chelsea appears to have already been ruled out

Brighton owner Tony Bloom has revealed there is a possibility that the Seagulls may not conduct any business with Chelsea 'over the next two or three years', which comes as a major blow in the race to sign Evan Ferguson.

However, according to Bloom, Brighton may not entertain any dealings with the west Londoners in the next couple of years. Since Todd Boehly has taken the helm at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have poached various staff and players – yet the Seagulls have still enjoyed far more success on the pitch.

"It’s possible over the next two or three years that we have no dealings with Chelsea," the Brighton owner told The Athletic. "So, for me, it’s not personal at all and each individual deal I’ve got to do what’s best for the football club first and foremost.

"If other clubs are interested in our head coaches, staff, players, I much prefer it that way than no one’s looking at any of our players or staff. So, we’re doing something very right.

"We do everything we can to keep our best players, but we know in the way of the world that won’t always be the case," Bloom added. Then, on Ferguson, the 53-year-old said: "I’m extremely excited about Evan Ferguson, as I am by lots of our young players who are also playing phenomenally well.

"But I will let others talk about the potential and what it may be. He doesn’t need me to put any more pressure on him. He’s a great young man, he’s got a superb temperament, and I’ll just let him develop and see what happens."