Blackburn Rovers targeting move for Birmingham City player | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace is keen to seal a reunion with Birmingham City goalkeeper John Ruddy, according to The Sun.

The Lancashire side's recruitment team would have had an easy job in recent months, having needed to prepare for life in two separate divisions.

However, their away victory against Leeds United in yesterday's early kick-off was a massive boost for them in their quest to secure survival and at this stage, they look set to remain in the Championship beyond the end of this season, as it stands.

With this in mind, they will need to recruit some high-quality players during the summer transfer window, although it remains to be seen whether they can do this.

They may have sold the likes of Ashley Phillips and Adam Wharton over the past couple of windows, but their owners haven't found it easy to transfer money to the UK.

Eustace was forced to work with a limited budget in the past when BSHL were at the helm at Birmingham, although he did have the opportunity to bring in some talented additions during the previous summer window following Tom Wagner's takeover.

Blackburn Rovers targeting John Ruddy

Ruddy has been one of the first names on the teamsheet at St Andrew's since his arrival back in the summer of 2022.

He could have easily been stuck behind Neil Etheridge in the pecking order for much of his stay in the Midlands, but the 37-year-old has established himself as a key player.

However, his contract expires at the end of the campaign and at this stage, it remains to be seen whether he will be offered another extension.

Etheridge's contract also runs out at the end of the season and Blues could see the next window as an opportunity to rebuild their goalkeeping department.

The Philippines international is thought to be on a high wage at St Andrew's, so it would be a surprise if he isn't offloaded at the end of the campaign, potentially along with Ruddy if Birmingham want to find a couple of longer-term additions.

Blackburn Rovers should only be looking to move for John Ruddy on one condition

Aynsley Pears has been linked with a move away from Rovers in recent months and that isn't a surprise considering how well he has performed at times.

Performing particularly well against Leeds yesterday and Newcastle United in the FA Cup, he has shown why he has been trusted as a replacement for Thomas Kaminski.

If he leaves, 24-year-old Leopold Wahlstedt will probably come in as a starter.

And if one of the two leave, Ruddy could potentially be considered as a short-term addition.

But if neither of the Blackburn pair depart Ewood Park, there won't be room for Ruddy unless Pears or Wahlstedt sustain a serious injury.

Unless a major injury or suspension happens, it just seems illogical to bring in Ruddy to compete with two first-team goalkeepers.