Brighton's response to 'Chelsea's Bart Vergbruggen interest' revealed - 'massive'

Brighton are set to demand a "massive" fee to sell goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer amid growing interest from Chelsea.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Brighton are extremely reluctant to let the 22-year-old leave.

Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, has identified the Netherlands international as a key target for his side as they plan to strengthen in goal during the summer transfer window.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea plan to sign a new goalkeeper as a priority in the summer amid concerns about Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

Recent reports have linked the Blues with a move to sign Southampton’s ex-Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has been a long-term target at Stamford Bridge.

However, Verbruggen has now emerged as one of the names on their list of targets if they can agree a deal with Brighton come the end of the season.

Brighton to demand 'massive' fee to sell Bart Verbruggen to Chelsea

Brown told Football Insider on 18 February that Chelsea want to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and would be prepared to meet his £40million asking price.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the Blues will need to cough up a large fee to prise Verbruggen away from Brighton.

"Brighton will want a massive fee to let him leave," he told Football Insider.

"If Chelsea come in for him, I'd expect that price tag to go higher because we've seen they're willing to pay over the odds for players in the past.

"A new goalkeeper is something they've been looking at, and Verbruggen is certainly a name on their list.

"He'll be one of their key targets because of his Premier League and international experience.

"But for those same reasons, Brighton are going to be reluctant to let him go.

"He's been an important part of their side this season and he's only young, so they see him as being their number one for years to come.

"If Chelsea want him, and I expect they do, it's going to take a big offer to tempt Brighton into selling."

Joao Pedro 'wants to join Liverpool' after latest transfer twist

Verbruggen is not the only Brighton star to be linked with one of the Premier League's elite clubs this summer, as Joao Pedro has also been subject to speculation.

Brown told Football Insider on 3 March that Pedro wants to join Liverpool if he is given the opportunity, as the 23-year-old has emerged on their list of targets.

However, the Reds are believed to be considering other options as Arne Slot wants to add a "top-class goalscorer" to his side in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool also want to sign Carlos Baleba, and would be willing to pay a "mega" fee to sign the midfielder as he has emerged as their top target this summer.

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