Bart Verbruggen in action for Brighton, with Andoni Iraola in a circular inset
Bart Verbruggen in action for Brighton, with Andoni Iraola in a circular inset
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Brighton since the season began, and has kept 11 clean sheets in 14 appearances across all competitions so far.
Those performances have attracted interest from a number of Europe's biggest clubs, who are now believed to be keeping a close eye on the Netherlands international.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool are among the strong admirers of Verbruggen and could look to tempt him to Anfield.
This comes amid doubts about Alisson's long-term future in net, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, and work underway to bring in his replacement.
Verbruggen has long been admired at Anfield, despite the interest from elsewhere, and Liverpool are now considering a move to lure him away from Brighton next year.
Could Liverpool make a move for Bart Verbruggen?
Football Insider revealed on 6 November that Liverpool are working to identify potential replacements for Alisson as they prepare for him to leave next summer.
The shot-stopper has made some high-profile mistakes already this season, and there is a growing feeling the time may have come for him to finally move on.
Verbruggen has now emerged as a leading contender should Liverpool be forced to strengthen in goal, and they are keeping a close eye on his performances for Brighton.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Liverpool, like all the top clubs, will be doing homework on a number of players and they'll have contingency plans in place.
"I'm sure all the top clubs across Europe, including Liverpool, will be keeping tabs on Verbruggen because he's a top quality player and he continues to show that for Brighton.
"He's still only 24, playing regularly in the Premier League, and he's a regular in the Netherlands national team as well.
"So it will be more than just Liverpool who will be keeping tabs on him, but he is certainly somebody they could look at if they are forced to sign a replacement for Alisson."
How does Verbruggen feel about leaving Brighton?
Liverpool are far from the only club interested in signing Verbruggen, with some of Europe's biggest clubs believed to have been watching his strong performances this season.
In the Premier League, the likes of Man United and Chelsea have been named as long-term admirers, while Bayern Munich are among his suitors on the continent.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 2 November that Real Madrid are keen on Verbruggen, and there is now a feeling he could be tempted to walk away from Brighton.
Sources say that Verbruggen would struggle to turn down the chance to move to Real Madrid if the chance arose, and that has given optimism he could be lured away.
Regardless of Real Madrid's interest, Liverpool could make the first move for Verbruggen, and they will hope they can beat rivals to his signature.