Opportunities for Evan Ferguson are wearing thin with reports in Italy suggesting he has one final opportunity to prove his worth at Roma.
The Serie A side are deciding on whether to terminate his loan in January and look to invest in another striker to help bolster their title bid.
Ferguson has scored just one competitive goal since his summer move from Brighton.
His start against Napoli last weekend was his first since September, but he flattered to deceive before being hooked off at half-time.
Ferguson’s performance also earned a scathing review in the Italian press, although the lack of creativity in midfield certainly didn’t help his cause.
Evan Ferguson in ‘final call’ for Roma
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini may have his hands tied in his attacking team selection this weekend against Cagliari.
That is because Artem Dovbyk is out injured, Tommaso Baldanzi is reportedly struggling with flu, Paulo Dybala is not fully fit and Leon Bailey is also struggling with form and fitness.
If Dybala is available, the Argentine is likely to lead the line, but Ferguson is under serious consideration to make another rare start.
Reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport claim fixtures are running out for the Ireland international to impress Gasperini, and this fixture could be crucial in deciding his immediate future.
Gasperini has made it no secret of his desire to bring in new strikers during the January transfer window.
His side have struggled for goals this season with 15 in 13 games – that’s the lowest among the top seven in the league.
Numerous strike options have been linked with moves to Roma in January, including Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
Midtjylland’s in-form Franculino is a target, alongside Tottenham’s Mathys Tel and Italian international Giacomo Raspadori.
Roma do have the option to sign Ferguson permanently for €35million, but it remains highly unlikely they will take up the offer unless he goes on a remarkable run of form.
What next for Ferguson?
Ferguson’s future at Roma does appear increasingly ominous as the January transfer window approaches.
There’s every chance he’ll return to Brighton in the New Year, where he’ll have to figure out his next move.
For Ferguson, it could be a case of getting back to the drawing board.
The days when he was rumoured to be a £100million player appear long gone, following lengthy spells without goals and injuries.
His goal against Cremonense last month was his first league goal in 13 months after a disastrous spell with West Ham.
Ferguson will want to remain with Roma and prove his worth, particularly with his Irish counterpart Troy Parrott in fine form ahead of the World Cup play-offs.
If Ireland secure their place at the major tournament for the first time since 2002, Ferguson will need to ensure he’s playing regular football.
That looks unlikely to happen at Roma, and perhaps another move could be in order come January.
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