Derby County close to signing ex-Premier League goalkeeper

Derby County have been linked with former Brighton, Arsenal and Real Sociedad goalkeeper Matthew Ryan.

The 32 year-old is currently at AZ Alkmaar in Holland and with his contract set to expire at the end of this season.

According to AZ Alerts, Ryan could be on the move to Pride Park this summer as the Rams look for a replacement for Joe Wildsmith who didn’t agree a new deal with Derby after winning the League One golden glove.

Paul Warne had already been linked with Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson but he has already made the move to Stoke City, so Ryan could be the next best option for the Derby boss.

The Australian international has had a lot of success having made almost 500 career appearances with his longest spell being at Brighton where he played over 120 games making 27 clean sheets.

He has also made appearances in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League, giving him an extra level of pedigree that currently isn’t in Derby’s squad.

As the Rams look to consolidate their place in the Championship, they will need a quality shot stopper.

Ryan would seem to be a sensible target for the Rams as they need a new goalkeeper and Ryan has more than enough quality to provide Paul Warne with a reliable option at the back.