Ryan dubbed 'one of world's best' as Manchester United circle

Manchester United target Mat Ryan has been described as “one of the best keepers in the world” by the man who has masterminded the European career of the Socceroos gloveman.

Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan applauds the fans Source: Getty Images

Former Middlesbrough striker and Danish international Mikkel Beck is not surprised by recent reports in The Sun newspaper placing Ryan, 26, atop Jose Mourinho’s wish list should the Red Devils lose their fight to persuade Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea to commit to a new long-term contract.

Prior to Sunday’s (AEDT ) 3-1 Premier League loss to Everton, Ryan had kept successive clean sheets as 1-0 wins over West Ham, Newcastle and Wolves saw Brighton and Hove Albion climb into mid-table.

While insisting there has been no official approach to the Seagulls for Ryan - who has three-and-a-half years left on his deal - Beck told The World Game: “I’ve seen the reports and it’s always nice to see one of my clients linked with one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“But for me it stays as speculation and newspaper talk. At the moment, I’m not aware of any interest.

“But of course I’m happy to see Maty connected with a club of United’s stature.

“I would expect clubs to be looking at him because right now he is one of the best in the world, let alone the Premier League.

“And his statistics this season, as well as last, back up that conclusion.”

Juventus target De Gea, 27, is out of contract at the end of the season, and while United can trigger an automatic 12-month extension in the New Year, the ex-Atletico shot-stopper has made no secret of his desire to return to Madrid, where Real have been long-time suitors.

Having taken Ryan from Central Coast Mariners to Club Brugge, Valencia, Genk and most recently Brighton, Beck believes he’s improved incrementally along the way.

“He’s stepped up a league and a level since joining Brighton (for $9 million from Valencia in July 2017),” the player-turned-agent added.

“Maty’s always been a top keeper but now he’s excelling in a big league where you’re scrutinised very closely and he’s performing consistently well week-on-week.

“Brighton was the perfect club at the perfect time for him. We thought very carefully about the move and everything has fallen into place and it’s proved to be the right decision.

“He’s very happy with the team and loves the club, the area, the fans, the stadium and is in no hurry to do anything other than keep performing for his club.

“If, at some point, he does step up again to a higher level of club it would have to be at the right time and at the right club.

“We are not really thinking about those type of things and he’s just concentrating on Brighton.

“He’s enjoying playing for Chris Hughton, who is getting the most out of all his players, including of course Maty.

“Brighton have been surprising a few people but I don’t think they have surprised themselves ... they know their strengths. They know they have a good team.”