Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Manchester United.

David de Gea has been United's first-choice stopper since 2011, and the Premier League giants are currently attempting to convince the Spaniard to pen a new long-term contract at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old current deal expires next summer - although United have an option to extend it to 2020 - but there remains uncertainty over where De Gea sees his future.

According to The Sun, that has resulted in United starting to identify potential replacements and that could see an approach made for Australia international Ryan.

The former Valencia man has been hugely impressive since moving to the Amex Stadium before the beginning of last season, and the 26-year-old has been an ever-present in top-flight games since his arrival.

Ryan has a contract with the Seagulls until 2022, but any sale would represent a significant profit on the £5.2m which Brighton paid for the stopper's services last year.