Mat Ryan's agent says the rising Socceroos goalkeeper is a man in demand after a brilliant first season in Europe but links with Real Madrid are only rumours.
Ryan's former Central Coast Mariners manager Graham Arnold, now with Sydney FC, on Friday said he'd heard the goalkeeper's form with Belgian side Club Brugge this season had caught the eye of the Spanish powerhouse.
Ryan's agent, former Denmark striker Mikkel Beck, said the Australian was being monitored by several clubs and, although he wouldn't say if there had been any approaches, he said he'd had no contact with Real Madrid.
Beck expects interest will intensify during the World Cup but he stressed the 22-year-old has no intention of leaving Brugge, where he is contracted until 2016.
"I think with Real Madrid it has to go down in the category of rumours," Beck told AAP.
"I haven't had any contact with Real Madrid about Matty.
"But it's no secret that he's had a great season and of course in Europe when you have a great season then people start to follow you.
"That doesn't mean Matty will leave Club Brugge.
"He's feeling very comfortable and it's only his first season in Europe, let's not forget that.
"He's just enjoying his football where he is and just enjoying the attention that comes with being a good footballer and doing well."
Ryan has played every minute this season for Brugge, who are four points behind leaders Standard Liege with three games to play.
Beck said he was talking with the club about a possible new contract but "there's no hurry."
Ryan's transfer value has shot up to as much as $A3.5 million according to some estimates and it could increase further if he impresses for Australia at the World Cup.
Ryan is battling Mitch Langerak for a spot in goal and looks favourite to start in Brazil following the retirement of Mark Schwarzer.
"I think he deserves to play," Beck said.
"Looking at the group Australia are in (Spain, Netherlands and Chile), there can only be lots of attention on those games.
"I expect the other teams to attack a lot and create lots of chances and there could be a lot of attention on the Australian goalkeeper."
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