A priority for Chelsea in the summer window will be the signing of a new goalkeeper, and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is an option. But Frank Lampard could throw a spanner in the works.
Robert Sanchez has improved under Liam Rosenior following his two howlers in the first leg of the Carabao Cup against Arsenal. But Chelsea want a new goalkeeper between the sticks come the summer.
Mike Maignan was long seen as the eventual replacement, but he has signed a new Milan deal. Others to be linked include Roma’s Mile Svilar and Sunderland’s Dutch giant Robin Roefs, as well as Verbruggen.
Robin Roefs or Robert Sanchez – who would you rather in goal for Chelsea?
Roefs is valued at £50m 💵
Indeed, Chelsea are reportedly willing to meet Brighton’s asking price for Verbruggen, with the stopper rated at £50m. The Dutchman is also a target for Bayern Munich and Tottenham ahead of the summer.
Brighton replacement for Verbruggen eyed by Lampard
According to a report from TeamTalk, Brighton have identified a replacement for Verbruggen with the Seagulls open to his exit if a £50m offer is tabled. The replacement is already on Brighton’s books.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Carl Rushworth has amassed north of 200 appearances while out on loan from Brighton, with his latest loan at Frank Lampard’s Coventry City. He’s played a key role in Coventry’s pursuit of the league title.
Certainly, if Lampard and Coventry win promotion to the Premier League, the Chelsea legend will be desperate to keep Rushworth. The Sun said in December that Lampard was keen on a permanent deal.
Indeed, Coventry are willing to pay £10m for Rushworth if the 24-year-old continues to help Lampard’s men win promotion to the Premier League. Lampard then, could throw a spanner in the works.
What are Lampard’s chances of signing Rushworth?
The report from TeamTalk states that Brighton would rather promote from within and give Rushworth the chance to earn his stripes. Rushworth may be tempted to return to Brighton if he is considered no.1.
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Chelsea are third-worst in the Premier League for conceding from crosses.
But if Lampard and Coventry gain promotion with Rushworth a key member, the temptation will be to ride the wave with Coventry instead of returning to Brighton and being at risk of becoming back-up.
Certainly, the chance to work under Lampard in the Premier League will be difficult to ignore. If Lampard does convince Brighton to sell Rushworth, Chelsea’s pursuit of Verbruggen will be affected.
It may see Brighton decide to keep their Dutch stopper, who almost certainly be on the plane to The World Cup this summer. Or, it will delay Brighton selling Verbruggen during the summer window.
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