“SHOCKING Celtic Transfer Bombshell: Premier League Sniper’s SECRET Move Revealed After West Ham’s EPIC Failure!”

Newcastle United legend Shay Given believes Celtic could secure a major coup by signing promising Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson this summer.

The 20-year-old striker made a sensational breakthrough at Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 but has struggled in recent seasons.

A prolonged 33-game goal drought that ended last October, along with limited opportunities, has seen Ferguson fall down the pecking order at the Amex Stadium.

Once valued at more than £100 million, Ferguson’s form and confidence have dipped, further compounded by an underwhelming loan spell at Premier League side West Ham United under Graham Potter, the very manager who helped launch his career at Brighton.

Despite expectations that the loan would reinvigorate his development, Ferguson struggled for minutes, with the Hammers opting to use Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus in attacking roles even in the absence of regular striker Michail Antonio.

With Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reportedly in the market for a new forward, Ferguson has been linked with a potential move to Parkhead as he looks to reignite his career.

Should the transfer materialize, he would be competing with fellow Irishman and international teammate Adam Idah for a place in the starting XI.

Speaking on the possibility, Given shared his belief that a fresh start in Scotland could be just what Ferguson needs.

“Maybe don’t tell Adam that!” Given joked. “But Evan just needs a place to call home. Whether it’s Celtic or elsewhere, he needs a manager who truly backs him and says, ‘You’re my guy.’”

Reflecting on the West Ham stint, Given said: “It looked ideal – linking up with Potter again – but even with injuries to Antonio and others, Evan didn’t get much game time. That raises questions about his next step.”

Given insists Ferguson still has immense potential. “Whether it’s a season-long loan or a permanent deal, a club needs to come in and build around him.

He’s got the talent. I worked on Malaysian TV with Bobby Zamora, who helps coach strikers at Brighton, and Bobby told me Evan is the best finisher at the club.”

He continued: “People maybe expected too much too soon because of how well he started. But with young players, patience is key.

I think he’s ready now for a full breakthrough season. And from an Irish perspective, it would be brilliant to see him back firing.”

Given acknowledged that finances could be a hurdle for Celtic in pursuing a permanent deal but suggested a loan might be more realistic.

“I’m not in charge of the money at Celtic or Newcastle, so who knows? But a loan would make a lot of sense.”

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson offered insight into Ferguson’s mindset, describing the striker as determined to bounce back and prove his critics wrong.

“It’s a great window for him,” said Hallgrimsson. “When I spoke to him, he said, ‘I’m fit, I’m ready.’

He’s not content with how things are right now – and that’s a good thing. He wants to show everyone what he’s capable of, and that attitude is encouraging for us.”

As Ferguson weighs up his options, a move north to Glasgow could offer the ideal platform to reignite his promising career.