Chelsea are reportedly set to battle it out with a host of European outfits for the signature of Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutchman has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, despite his side’s poor run of form, keeping five clean sheets in 25 Premier League appearances. Verbruggen has also earned the Seagulls several points throughout the season with a number of important saves.
The former Anderlecht shot-stopper has been tipped to leave the Seagulls on several occasions previously, with Bayern Munich among his fondest admirers.
The Bundesliga outfit are keen to sign a replacement for Manuel Neuer, and Verbruggen’s displays have put him at the forefront of their thinking. However, Bayern are not alone in their admiration.
TEAMtalk report that Chelsea are set to make a strong push to sign Verbruggen at the end of the season, with manager Liam Rosenior hopeful of bringing in a new No. 1 over the summer.
Tottenham and Newcastle are also interested in signing the 23-year-old, but they cannot guarantee consistent Champions League football, which has given Chelsea a key advantage in the race against their Premier League rivals.
Verbruggen is said to be ready to leave Brighton this summer and take the ‘next step’ in his career, though whether he will favour a move within England or heading to Germany remains to be seen.
The Seagulls are set to demand in excess of £50million to part ways with their No. 1, but Chelsea have already decided that they are prepared to match that significant asking price.
Blues’ co-sporting director Paul Winstanley and head of global goalkeeping Ben Roberts both spent time at Brighton before heading to Stamford Bridge, and the duo carried out ‘extensive work’ on scouting Verbruggen before leaving the Seagulls.
The Netherlands international arrived after their respective exits, but Winstanley and Roberts are ‘fully backing’ the pursuit.