AC Milan send scouts to watch Nathan Ferguson as they join race to sign West Brom teenager

ITALIAN giants AC Milan sent top spies to watch Nathan Ferguson in action for West Brom — just three weeks before he can sign a pre-contract.

Milan were shock VIP guests at Wigan on Wednesday to run the rule over full-back Ferguson.

French side Marseille and fallen German giants Hamburg also sent senior scouts to the clash.

The Baggies babe, 19, will be out of contract in the summer — when he would also attract attention from Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

Milan are one of several sides looking at taking Ferguson on the cheap because the fee would only be training compensation next summer.

Worryingly for Albion, Ferguson and his adviser can sort out terms at the start of January.

The Championship high-flyers have already seen teen sensation Louie Barry leave on the cheap this season.

FIFA are set to adjudicate on the fee West Brom will receive for the 16-year-old striker after Barcelona snapped him up before he turned pro.

With Barry set to earn the Baggies only around £100,000, a free agent departure for Ferguson would likely bring in far below his market value.

The Professionall Football Compensation Committee are currently ruling on the fee Liverpool must pay Fulham for 16-year-old starlet Harvey Elliott.

The Cottagers want £7million for the midfielder but such an amount would be a record ruling for a tribunal-settled transfer.