Charlton Athletic open preliminary talks to sign John Ruddy – sources
Charlton Athletic have opened preliminary talks to sign Birmingham City goalkeeper John Ruddy this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 37-year-old has been offered an extension to remain at St Andrew’s as his current deal is set to expire at the end of this month.
Sources say Charlton are exploring a deal for Ruddy as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping options for next season.
The veteran shot-stopper featured heavily for Birmingham last season as they were relegated from the Championship.
Ruddy will leave the West Midlands club on a free this month if he can’t agree an extension, with Charlton opening talks with him over a potential move to The Valley.
John Ruddy could join Charlton after Birmingham relegation
Ruddy has spent the past two years with Birmingham after joining the club on a free transfer from Wolves in the summer of 2022.
The one-cap England international has made 89 appearances during that time, having cemented his place as the club’s No.1.
While last season was hugely disappointing for Birmingham, Ruddy still managed to keep 11 clean sheets in his 44 Championship starts despite suffering relegation to League One.
St Andrew’s chiefs have offered him a new deal to remain at the club after appointing Chris Davies as their new manager, but Charlton have now opened talks over signing him this summer.
Nathan Jones’s side have already been proactive in the transfer market after securing deals for goalkeeper Will Mannion from Cambridge United and experienced midfielder Luke Berry from Luton Town.
Football Insider revealed on 19 June the League One side have also agreed a deal to sign Millwall defender Alex Mitchell this summer.
In other news, League One outfit beat Barnsley and Bolton to defender deal.
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