Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping tabs on one of the Premier League’s brightest young goalkeepers as the German giants look to put in place a succession plan for club legend Manuel Neuer.

The England top star missed the first few games of the season through injury, but has played every minute since for their club in the Premier League.

It’s no surprise that some of Europe’s biggest clubs are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, with Bayern the latest side to show interest, according to Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side were leaking at the back, but Bart Verbruggen is highly regarded on the south coast and is part of a side that has risen to sixth place.

The Dutchman is also appreciated by his national team. Within months of his debut last October, he became Ronald Koeman’s first choice and played every minute of the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping an eye on Brighton star Bart Verbruggen

The German giants want to draw up a succession plan for club legend Manuel Neuer

Vincent Kompany is looking for someone who can fill the big shoes of the German number 1

Manager Vincent Kompany may be keen on a reunion with Verbruggen, who he signed for Anderlecht in 2020, but the club is also said to be interested in FC Koln’s Jonas Urbig, who has less than two years left on his contract.

Bayern could ultimately look closer to home to find Neuer’s long-term replacement, with Alexander Nubel, signed from Schalke four years ago, a possible option.

The 28-year-old is enjoying an impressive season on loan at Stuttgart, following 97 appearances in a prolific spell at Monaco.

But Neuer’s longevity continues to defy those who suggest the 38-year-old star is fading and Bayern are actively trying to tie the German down to a new contract, with his current deal set to expire next summer.

The goalkeeper joined the Bavarian side from Schalke in 2011 and has been a loyal player ever since, making no fewer than 529 appearances and keeping 247 clean sheets.

The club captain has won an impressive 11 Bundesliga trophies at the Allianz Arena, as well as two Champions League titles.

He has been Germany’s number one between the posts for more than ten years. He played 124 games for Die Mannschaft and led his national team to a memorable World Cup victory in 2014.

Despite his age-defying antics, Neuer will have to call it quits at some point and Verbruggen, whose contract with Brighton runs until 2028, seems a smart option looking to the future.

The club is believed to be interested in FC Köln’s Jonas Urbig, who has two years left on his contract

Kompany may be interested in a reunion with Verbruggen, whom he signed for Anderlecht in 2020

Neuer made 124 appearances for Germany, winning the World Cup in 2014

After swapping Anderlecht to the south coast for a fee of £16.3million last summer, the goalkeeper took some time to usurp Jason Steele as number one, but it now appears he is settling into the team van Hurzeler has established.

Verbruggen recently spoke in an interview with The Argus about the disappointment of losing the European Championship semi-final against England. He said: ‘When you get close to the main goal and then don’t make it, it feels a bit harsh and it’s painful.

‘After a holiday I had the time to feel a little proud, happy and privileged that I could do that.’