Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan open to Liverpool move

Club Brugge goalkeeper Matthew Ryan has responded positively to reports linking him with a move to Liverpool, believing a move to Anfield would be a "step forward" in his career.

While Simon Mignolet has been recalled to the Liverpool first team in the absence of the injured Brad Jones, Brendan Rodgers' decision to drop the Belgian after a disappointing season has left his future at the club in real doubt.

Liverpool are likely to be on the lookout for a long-term solution to their problems in goal with the Daily Telegraph recently claiming 22-year-old Ryan is now being considered.

And the young Australian admits it would be difficult to turn down an offer from Anfield.

"It is nice to read in the newspapers that teams like Liverpool are looking at you," Ryan was quoted as saying by Tuttomercato.

"I am happy at Brugge, but obviously I want to prove myself because it would be great to take another step forward in my career."

Ryan, who won the Belgium Pro League Goalkeeper of the Year award last season, is currently representing Australia at the Asian Cup.

Arnar Gretarsson, former sporting director of Brugge, believes it is only a matter of time before the shot-stopper leaves and expects him to push for a move to England.

"I don't see him staying for much longer at Club Brugge," Gretarsson said. "I think he will move to a bigger team, possibly for next season.

"I know he would like to go to the Premier League, everyone 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."

Liverpool boss Rodgers went public with his decision to drop Mignolet "indefinitely" in December but a thigh injury to Jones, whose contract to Merseyside expires in the summer, saw the Belgian recalled.

Injury to Jones has already prompted Rodgers to consider adding another goalkeeper to his ranks.

"I think we need a goalkeeper of some sort; it's just depending on how long Brad Jones is going to be out injured," Rodgers explained.

"We are obviously down and have got two young inexperienced keepers behind Simon, who is only just back in the team, so we need to assess that."