NewsBite

Manchester United target Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan to replace David De Dea

A PREMIER League powerhouse is secretly planning for life without it’s star keeper — and they’ve lined up the Socceroos number one as his replacement.

Socceroos shot stop Mat Ryan is on Manchester United's radar.
Socceroos shot stop Mat Ryan is on Manchester United's radar.

MAT Ryan is a shock target to replace David De Gea at Manchester United.

Old Trafford bigwigs are secretly planning for life without their Spanish keeper after he decided not to sign the new deal that has been dangled in front of him.

And that has seen them step up their recruitment drive, with Brighton’s highly-rated Ryan a surprise name at the top of their hit-list.

A-LEAGUE LATE MAIL: BIG BLOW FOR SYDNEY, DUO BACK FOR PERTH

Mat Ryan could be on his way to Old Trafford.
Mat Ryan could be on his way to Old Trafford.

United boss Jose Mourinho — who is represented by De Gea’s agent, Jorge Mendes — admitted he is “not confident” of keeping his No 1 at the club.

Even though the former Atletico star’s dream of a return to Madrid was wrecked when Real signed Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea, he will still let his contract run down.

Juventus are keen to land De Gea but Paris Saint-Germain will offer the 27-year-old anything he wants to help them fulfil their ambition of building a side capable of finally winning the Champions League.

MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS

REVEALED: HOW JOSE USED RIVAL CAPTAIN TO AVOID FA CHARGE

‘HOME FOREVER’: UNSETTLED UTD STAR’S STUNNING ABOUT-FACE

The Premier League giants need a replacement for David De Gea.
The Premier League giants need a replacement for David De Gea.

Aussie Ryan, 26, has impressed for Brighton since his A$9 million switch from Valencia in July 2017.

He was praised as Chris Hughton’s side racked up 1-0 wins over West Ham, Newcastle and Wolves to move up to 11th.

United believe the 6ft 2in Ryan — who was named the best keeper in Belgium during each of his two years at Club Brugge — is ready to take the step up to a big six club.

He still has over three years left on his Brighton deal.

But while boss Hughton would be reluctant to lose his star stopper, it would be difficult to stand in his way if United come in with a decent offer.

This story originally appeared in The Sun.

READ MORE

BANNED! FORMER SOUTH KOREAN SKIPPER BANNED FOR LIFE

‘ALWAYS A DREAM’: SALAH REVEALS SIX-YEAR ‘PLAN’ BEHIND REDS MOVE

SELFISH! MBAPPE, NEYMAR WEAKNESS HURTING CHANCES OF CL GLORY

GUTTED! FLAWLESS CITY VICTORY MARRED BY SUPERSTAR’S INJURY SCARE

Ryan was one of the Socceroos' best players during the World Cup.
Ryan was one of the Socceroos' best players during the World Cup.

Originally published as Manchester United target Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan to replace David De Dea

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/manchester-united-target-socceroos-goalkeeper-mat-ryan-to-replace-david-de-dea/news-story/39ceebbb048528042da394bf56c37781