Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has revealed that it is his "dream" to play in the Premier League, amid reported interest from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 20-year-old Dutchman began his professional career in his homeland with boyhood club NAC Breda before joining Anderlecht for just €300,000 in the summer of 2021.
Verbruggen acted as a backup goalkeeper in his first two years with the Belgian giants, but he became the club's first-choice shot-stopper during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, keeping 10 clean sheets in 24 matches across all competitions.
The 6ft 4in goalie quickly caught the eye of the Netherlands national team and received his first senior call-up to Ronald Koeman's squad for the March international break, although he is still waiting to earn his first cap.
Verbruggen's rapid rise in Belgium has also alerted a number of clubs around Europe, including Premier League quartet Brighton, Burnley, Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, Brighton appear to be winning the race for his signature as journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the youngster is close to completing a €20m (£17m) move to the Amex Stadium, and has already agreed personal terms with the Seagulls.
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Verbruggen is currently away on international duty with the Netherlands ahead of the European Under-21s Championships and has responded to speculation about a potential summer move to Brighton.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg, Verbruggen said: "I have always said that it is my dream to play football in England. Just the fact that I'm mentioned there is something to be proud of. But my focus is [with the national team].
"I have very capable people who work for me. They know what they are doing and ask me the right questions when needed.
"But I am only concerned with the things that I myself influence. And at the moment that is the European Championship with the juniors."
Brighton's pursuit of Verbruggen comes at a time when Robert Sanchez faces an uncertain future at the club after losing his place in the starting lineup during the second half of last season.
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Sanchez became unsettled towards the end of the campaign and the 25-year-old is expected to seek pastures new this summer in the hope of gaining regular first-team football to boost his chances of representing Spain at Euro 2024.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has since identified Verbruggen as a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and who can provide competition for Jason Steele between the sticks.
Sanchez is not the only Brighton player who could be heading for the exit door this summer, as star midfielder Moises Caicedo has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, although the Seagulls are believed to be demanding a fee of around £100m for the 21-year-old.
Brighton will be competing in the 2023-24 Europa League for the first time in their history after securing their highest-ever Premier League finish of sixth place last season.
Oliver Thomas
