Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan could be headed for English Premier League heavyweights Liverpool.
Ryan’s continued excellence for his Belgian outfit Club Brugge and the Socceroos in the current Asian Cup has attracted the interest of Liverpool.
The 22-year-old’s stocks have soared, with Liverpool joining Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindenhoven in monitoring Ryan.
The EPL giants have sent scouts to Australia to watch Ryan but are unlikely to make a pitch in this month’s transfer window, with a post-season move more likely as the club seek a replacement for shot-stopper Simon Mignolet.
The Belgian Mignolet was dropped earlier this season only to be recalled due to an injury to Australian Brad Jones.
London’s Daily Telegraph is reporting Liverpool want Ryan, with Club Brugge’s former sporting director Arnar Gretarsson believing the Australian has already determined his future is in the EPL.
“I don’t see him staying for much longer at Club Brugge,” Gretarsson told the Daily Telegraph.
“I think he will move to a bigger team, possibly for next season.
“I know he would like to go to the Premier League, everybody wants to play in that league, but I could also see him in the Primera Division or the Bundesliga.
“He definitely has the quality to play in the big three leagues.”
Ryan has made a series of vital saves for the Socceroos in their unbeaten Asian Cup campaign.
Before the tournament, the former Central Coast Mariner said he was open to offers from big European clubs.
“It’s obviously flattering to have the interest,” Ryan told AAP.
“In the last few months, I have come along in leaps and bounds, my performances have been getting better and better.
“If something was to come along, obviously we would sit down and look at if it’s beneficial.
“And if it’s in a better league, a better team, then I feel as if I would back myself and be confident in my ability to go there and do well.”
Ryan, who has entrenched himself as Australia’s No.1 `keeper since the World Cup in Brazil last year, said his continued rise was mind-boggling.
“From when I first started as a professional, just to come to where I am now and look back at what has happened – it’s unbelievable,” said Ryan, who has 15 international caps.
“Everything seems to be coming so quick and going so fast, it’s crazy.”
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