LIVE
...

Follow us on

Exclusive

Sunderland close on Ruddy deal

Norwich's John Ruddy (Reuters)
Follow us on Google Discover

HITC Sport understands Sunderland are closing in on the signing of John Ruddy

Norwich's John Ruddy looks dejected at the end of the matchFormer Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy

Sunderland are closing in on the signing of former Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy on a free transfer, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Ruddy is a free agent after being released by Norwich earlier this summer.

Sunderland are in the market for a new goalkeeper after selling Jordan Pickford to Everton for £30million last month and new Black Cats boss Simon Grayson has identified Ruddy to help fill the void.

Grayson is keen to overhaul the squad at the Stadium of Light after taking over at the club last week and he sees Ruddy’s experience as being a key addition to his plans.

Norwich City's John RuddyFree agent John Ruddy

Brendan Galloway was Grayson first signing this week after joining on a season-long loan deal from Everton and he could now be joined by Ruddy.

Ruddy has spent the last seven seasons at Norwich and made 243 appearance for the Canaries.

During his time at Norwich he won his one and only England cap in 2012 after missing out on a place at Euro 2012 with a finger injury.

The 30-year-old spent five years at Everton prior to his move to Norwich, but never really established himself at Goodison Park.