Newcastle identify top transfer target - but face Chelsea battle for Brighton's Verbruggen

Amidst this up-and-down season, one thing has become abundantly clear to Newcastle United fans is our need for a new starting goalkeeper.

Nick Pope has made too many errors, Aaron Ramsdale is unlikely to be our long-term solution and Odysseas Vlachodimos' future doesn't appear to be on Tyneside, despite an impressive loan spell at Sevilla.

And it looks like searching for a new goalkeeper is certainly on the agenda of Eddie Howe, Ross Wilson and the club’s recruitment team, with one name in particular cropping up a lot in the last week.

Newcastle face battle over Brighton star

According to NewcastleWorld’s Liam Kennedy, Newcastle have made Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen a 'top target' in the search for a long-term Nick Pope replacement.

The current Netherlands No.1 looks to be the preferred option to Manchester City’s James Trafford, whose expected wage demands and transfer fee look to make him a no-go for the time being.

For Verbruggen, however, Kennedy reports that Newcastle are 'hopeful' of striking a deal with Brighton, although I would be pleasantly surprised if Verbruggen cost considerably less than City's Trafford.

Currently contracted to the Seagulls until June 2028, it's thought Newcastle want to act quickly to avoid any repeats of last summer. However, Chelsea are thought to be in the mix, with the Blues also in the mix for a new starting goalkeeper.

Chelsea and Brighton likely have a good rapport over transfers considering just how many individuals have made the switch from the Amex to Stamford Bridge in the last few seasons. And we would be wise to act with a bit of urgency over our targets knowing Chelsea are also interested, or we risk another Liam Delap/Joao Pedro situation unfolding.

Is Verbruggen the best we can do?

On the surface, Verbruggen ticks a lot of boxes for what we typically look for in a signing: Premier League-proven, young and regarded for being a player with big potential.

However, with Brighton not needing to sell him for at least another year based on his contract situation, the Premier League premium would make Verbruggen an expensive option, seeing us potentially overpay for another 'proven' option.

It’s certainly one to keep an eye on over the course of the summer, but fans should (and will) rightfully point to the likes of Sunderland’s Robin Roefs, Manchester United’s Senne Lammens as proof that there are plenty of brilliant and budget goalkeeper options on the continent.