Barcelona set sights on deal for Brighton star

The powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona have identified a new goalkeeper target, with a view to next summer.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Brighton & Hove Albion star Bart Verbruggen as the player in question.

Recent weeks have of course seen speculation begin to mount that the signing of a new shot-stopper has been made something of a priority by the transfer team in Catalunya’s capital.

With no.1 Marc-André ter Stegen sidelined long-term, Wojciech Szczęsny only signed through the end of the season, and Iñaki Peña yet to convince the club’s coaching staff of his readiness to act as first-choice, Deco and co. have shifted attentions firmly towards securing reinforcements between the posts.

To date, a whole host of options have been outlined in the media, including Ligue 1 pair Marcin Bułka and Lucas Chevalier, as well as Porto no.1 Diogo Costa.

And, as alluded to above, on Friday, yet another shot-stopper has seen his name linked with Barcelona.

As per the aforementioned Sport:

‘Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, according to Dutch media, would be on Barça’s radar.’

22-year-old Verbruggen is held in high regard across the continent, with his endeavours on England’s south coast having now piqued the attentions of the Camp Nou brass.

An offer for the Dutchman’s signature, in turn, could be forthcoming on the part of the Blaugrana as soon as next summer.

Conor Laird – GSFN