West Ham United have completed the signing of Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Republic of Ireland international joins on a straight loan without the option to make the move permanent. West Ham will pay his salary, a loan fee and add-ons.

The move sees the 20-year-old reunite with new West Ham head coach Graham Potter, who gave the forward his debut during his time with Brighton.

“It feels good to be here. Seeing the stadium and being here today, I’ve got a very good feeling,” Ferguson said.“I can see and know how big West Ham United is. It was a big opportunity for me to come here. I know the gaffer well and look forward to working under him again.

“I want to come in and do my best for the club, score goals, and see where we get to.”

A number of clubs both in England and around Europe were interested in a deal for Ferguson with Brighton having made him available for a short-term exit.

Brighton and the player’s representatives were in agreement that he needed game time to kickstart his career again.

He has made only 15 appearances in all competitions this campaign including only two Premier League starts with Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter all seemingly preferred by head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

West Ham have been in the market for attacking reinforcements this month following injuries to captain Jarrod Bowen and, more recently, summer arrivals Niklas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville. Michail Antonio won’t play again this season as he recovers from injuries sustained in a car crash in December.

The club submitted an offer worth £57million ($70m) to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran before he ultimately moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

(West Ham United Football Club)

Andy Naylor worked for 32.5 years on the sports desk of The Argus, Brighton’s daily newspaper. For the last 25 of those years he was chief sports reporter, primarily responsible for coverage of Brighton and Hove Albion FC. Follow Andy on Twitter @AndyNaylorBHAFC