BRIGHTON keeper Bart Verbruggen is a shock target for Real Madrid.

But he would have to start on their bench.

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The Dutch 22-year-old is fancied by the Spanish giants as they look for a long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.

They could be selling Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin, 26, who has been happy to cover for Courtois over the last five years.

And Real are now ready to ask the big question and find out if Verbruggen fancies the move.

The idea is that he would have the chance of becoming their first choice down the line.

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The Seagulls are aware of the interest and hope for a decision in the summer transfer window.

Should Verbruggen leave, they would have to find a top-class replacement for him.

Brighton have already been tracking Liverpool No 2 Caoimhin Kelleher, 26, and Burnley’s 22-year-old James Trafford for some time.

Verbruggen has established himself as the Seagulls’ No1 after a long fight.

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And, therefore, he may be reluctant to give it up for the reserve job behind Courtois, 32, in Madrid.

However, all parties need to make the call on a potential move for the Holland international to let the clubs go about their business.

Real have also considered Arsenal’s Spanish keeper David Raya, 29, for the long-term role.

But that deal would be even harder to pull off than Verbruggen.

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