Everton are believed to be considering a January move for John Ruddy, who is also thought to be on the wanted list at Crystal Palace.
According to The Mirror, Neil Warnock has set his sights on a move for the one-cap England goalkeeper when the transfer window reopens in the New Year. The Eagles manager is keen to find some serious competition for current number one Julian Speroni, who may in any event be in the final months of his Selhurst Park stay as his contract is set to expire in the summer.
The same tabloid also report that the Toffees are interested in Ruddy. The 28-year-old was actually at Goodison Park from 2005 to 2010, but only made one league appearance and had several loan spells before leaving for Norwich City in July 2010. Roberto Martinez is now keen to lure him back to Merseyside, as he seeks a long-term successor to Tim Howard, 36 in March.
Ruddy remained loyal to the Canaries when they were relegated last season, and he has played every minute of their Championship campaign thus far. And as encouraged as he will be by the way Neil Adams’ side have started their promotion bid – they are just two points off a playoff position after 20 games – he would likely be tempted to make a quick return to the top-flight.
Norwich are unlikely to welcome any interest in Ruddy, and could demand as much as £4million for his signature. They are certainly under no pressure to let the former Huddersfield Town youngster leave should an offer arrive, as the player still remains under contract at the East Anglia club until the summer of 2017 after signing a new contract back in October 2013.
Is Ruddy good enough to succeed Howard at Everton, and is he a better option than Speroni for Palace? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
