Ryan signed to save Seagulls

BRIGHTON have signed Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from Valencia.

The newly promoted Seagulls refused to disclose the fee for the 25-year-old but did say it was a club record, beating the £4million price tag for defender Shane Duffy last year.

Ryan, right, has agreed a five-year contract and replaces David Stockdale, who left the Amex Stadium to join Birmingham City earlier this week.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to attract Mathew to the club and he will be an excellent addition to the squad in time for our first season in the Premier League. “For somebody of Mathew’s age, he has very good experience, having played in the top divisions in Australia, Belgium and also Spain. “He has also competed in European competition and made a number of appearances at international level. “We’re very much looking forward to working with him.”