Manchester United's summer transfer target Bart Verbruggen has won Anderlecht's player of the season award.
MEN Sport understands Erik ten Hag is interested in adding the 20-year-old to his squad amid uncertainty surrounding David de Gea's role at the club next season. United's boss is adamant the Spanish shot stopper will sign a new deal to stay at Old Trafford.
However, he has not guaranteed De Gea will be No. 1. This has led to Ten Hag looking at his options in the transfer market.
The Manchester Evening News understands the Dutchman is a fan of Verbruggen after he received his maiden call-up to the Netherlands squad in April. During the campaign, the 'keeper made 37 appearances for Anderlecht, conceding 45 goals and amassing 13 clean sheets in the process.
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This form has led to him picking up the top accolade at the Belgian giants at their end of season awards. Paying tribute to their goalkeeper, the club wrote: "Bart came between the posts in the middle of the season and immediately impressed.
"In barely 17 Jupiler Pro League games, he managed to convince you [the fans] of his class. His saves at crucial moments were clearly appreciated.
"He also seized his moment in the Croky Cup, during the penalty shoot-out against Lierse he gave Anderlecht the victory and advanced to the next round. But for Bart, the highlights of the season undoubtedly came from the Conference League journey.
"During the penalty series against Ludogorets at the Lotto Park, he crowned himself match-winner by saving three consecutive penalties. Also at Villarreal, in the next round of the Conference League, the Dutch goalie was outstanding. Bart excelled there with one save after another. With the final apotheosis, the victory at Villarreal."
Verbruggen received 36 per cent of the overall vote from the Anderlecht fans beating Zeno Debast (29 per cent of the vote) and Jan Vertonghen (19 per cent of the vote) to the accolade.
De Gea himself is no stranger to winning fans' player of the season awards, having won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awarded four times, in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
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