RUITER FLIES IN TO SEAL DEAL
Sunderland should today complete their deal to sign free agent keeper Robbin Ruiter – in time to make his debut in Friday night’s season-opening Championship clash.
The 30-year-old Dutchman is due in Sunderland today to finalise his transfer, with the goalkeeper having reportedly verbally agreed a two-year contract to join the Black Cats.
Ruiter flew back to the Netherlands last week following a successful trial period, in which the 30-year-old impressed against both Bradford and Scunthorpe United in friendly matches.
He has been without a club since leaving Eredivisie outfit Utrecht at the end of last season and attracted interest from other British clubs, including Premier League side Burnley.
Sunderland boss Simon Grayson was impressed with the stopper and looks to have convinced him to extend his stay.
Grayson said after the 5-0 weekend loss to Celtic that he was ‘hopeful’ a deal could be struck for Ruiter.
He should sign in plenty of time to be available to take on Derby County at the Stadium of Light on Friday night and will compete with £500,000 capture Jason Steele for the goalkeeper’s shirt.
Ex-Blackburn man Steele signed a four-year deal last week but struggled on his debut and insisted that he has been given no promises over his place in the side.
Ruiter’s arrival could clear the way for Max Stryjek to secure a loan deal. League One club Oldham are interested in the 21-year-old.
Meanwhile, Derby boss Gary Rowett is hoping that Czech striker Matej Vydra will pose a stern test for whoever takes their place between the Sunderland goalposts.
The former Watford frontman has had a difficult start to his career with the Rams, but he has been on the scoresheet in pre-season, netting in the 2-1 weekend loss to Hoffenheim.
Rowett said: “Matej is a great option for us.
“I am probably the same as everyone else. I see the little flashes, I see the little bits on the ball and he excites me.
“We know we want him to try and do a little bit more off the ball to fit into how we want to play, but he gives you quality and he has got composure, as you saw with his goal (against Hoffenheim).
“I want to get him firing just as everyone else does.”
Derby must do without ex-Sunderland striker Darren Bent, who is starting his rehabilitation work after a hamstring injury which required surgery. He will be out until 2018. “I am out for four to five months and it’s disappointing,” said Bent.
“I had surgery to repair my tendon. I have to keep the leg elevated and I will be on crutches for six weeks.”
West Midlands official Oliver Langford will referee Sunderland’s Championship opener against Derby.
He was in charge for 44 matches last season, in all competitions, showing five red cards and 129 yellows.
Langford has not officiated in a Sunderland match before.