Brighton boss Graham Potter makes 'extreme' Maty Ryan January transfer admission

Aussie international goalkeeper Maty Ryan is out of favour with Brighton

Brighton boss Graham Potter admits he would be willing to allow out-of-favour goalkeeper Mat Ryan to leave the club in January.

Ryan was dropped for Albion’s midweek Premier League draw at Fulham, with inexperienced Spaniard Robert Sanchez set to continue between the sticks for Sunday’s clash with Sheffield United and the foreseeable future.

Potter dismissed suggestions the Australia international has definitely played his final game for the Seagulls.

However, he does not intend to stand in Ryan’s way should he request guaranteed first-team football.

Asked if Ryan will been seen again in a Brighton shirt, Potter replied: “I can’t see into the future. But I wouldn’t say it’s as extreme as that.

“I think you’ve got to be respectful to the professional and his career and his family and his situation.

“On the one hand, we’re saying that we’re going to give Rob a chance and an opportunity and you want to give him that time.

“At the same time, you know the situation may be for him (Ryan) that he wants to be in a better position in terms of somewhere where he is more able to play or move involved in playing.

“I think out of respect for Maty, you’ve got to give him that freedom to do that. But in the end it’s down to Maty and the club.”

Ryan has been a near ever-present since signing following the club’s promotion in 2017 and currently holds the record for the most Premier League appearances made by a Brighton player.

The 28-year-old, bought from Valencia for a then club-record fee, has featured in 121 of 127 top-flight fixtures, one outing more than Albion captain Lewis Dunk.