Mathew Ryan highlighted as probable David de Gea replacement at Manchester United

Manchester United are understood to have earmarked Brighton & Hove Albion’s Mathew Ryan as a probable successor to current goalkeeper David de Gea. The Australia international only joined the Seagulls from Valencia last year but he has since captured the attention of the media with a number of top-notch performances between the sticks.

As such, The Sun reports that United are monitoring the shot-stopper’s developments and they could be tempted to make an approach, should De Gea lean towards an Old Trafford exit. De Gea has been a tremendous servant for the Red Devils over the past seven-and-a-half seasons but there remains a concern regarding his long-term future with the club.

At present, the Spaniard has just eight months remaining on his existing deal with the Red Devils but the club can extend the contract by a further year by means of an extension clause. Even if the option is triggered, United may seriously consider his sale next summer, given they would not want to gamble on the keeper’s contract stance with his transfer value potentially decreasing.

Aside from De Gea, “the Red Devils face a similar position with Anthony Martial and a recent report from Sky Sports has indicated “ that the Frenchman has already turned down a contract offer on the table. The former Monaco ace is presently on wages of around £60,000-a-week and the urge for “a bumper extension appears “to have stalled contract talks for the moment.

Despite the uncertainty over the duo, United have made positive progress of late with back-to-back league wins in the Premier League. Martial has been fundamental with a goal in both of those matches whilst De Gea has equally made a mark with crucial saves to keep the opposition at bay. United are currently seventh on the table with 20 points, nine behind leaders Manchester City.