Newcastle United have offered 6ft 4in former England international goalkeeper to replace Karius

Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign former England international John Ruddy to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks.

Now 37, Ruddy is looking for a new club ahead of a possible free transfer from Birmingham City this summer. Ruddy actually appeared regularly for Birmingham in the Championship last season having made 46 appearances.

Newcastle were also linked with a contract termination move for former Bosnia and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović at the weekend. Begovic is due to leave Queens Park Rangers at the end of his contract at Loftus Road but the story was played down by the club this afternoon.

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The former Everton and Norwich City goalkeeper, who stands 6ft 4in and has more than 500 league games to his name, could leave the Second City this summer. Birmingham were relegated to League One last season and their future is uncertain.

But his representatives are considering a new club for the St Ives-born goalkeeper, with Ruddy linked with Blackburn and Charlton Athletic this summer. Newcastle are in talks with Burnley to bring in James Trafford to compete with Nick Pope for the number 1 spot.

Martin Dubravka could leave this summer after links with Celtic and has admitted he is fed up with speculation over his future on Tyneside. After the departure of Lois Karius on a free transfer, Newcastle will need a third goalkeeper to compete in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Mark Gillespie has signed a new contract, but the former Carlisle goalkeeper spent last season as a number 4 and was seen as a player capable of maintaining high standards on a daily basis.

Speaking about his future at Birmingham, with his current contract set to expire, Ruddy recently said on Fozcast: “When they sort out the manager we’ll see what happens. Hopefully there will be a few conversations “I’ve had conversations with other clubs as well. It’s just a matter of keeping your options open and seeing what happens.

Ruddy says his family is based in Norwich but accepts he will have to travel in the latter stages of his career. The goalkeeper said: “I might have a few years left to play, so if something weird and wonderful happens on the other side of the country, it’s something we’ll have to think about. I have lived away from home for actually eight years, so it’s difficult because you miss out on a lot, but you do it for the greater good Their life in Norwich is what we wanted it to be when we had children. children.

“If I have to travel, I will travel. The problem is there aren’t many clubs near Norwich either!”