Cats look set to miss out on Ruddy as Blues swoop
Sunderland – in need of competition in the goalkeeping department – had been linked with John Ruddy, but reports suggest he is set to sign for Birmingham City.
The former Norwich City and Wolves keeper is on a free after being released by Wolves.
Sunderland are looking to bolster their options followingthe departures of Lee B urge and Thorben Hoffmann.
Anthony Patterson, who signed a new deal this summer, is the current No.1, but Alex Neil is looking for competition in that area ahead of the club’s return to the Championship.
Sunderland won promotion back to the Championship after four seasons in League One thanks to the 2-0 play-off final win over Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley in May.
Ruddy, who stands at 6ft 4ins, at 35-year-old is an experienced goalkeeper, but he looks set for a move to Championshiprivals Birmingham City.
Sunderland academy graduate Patterson ended the season as No .1.
Thorben Hoffmann bid farewell to Sunderland supporters earlier this summer giving his thanks following a loan move from Bayern Munich.
*Tickets for Sunderland’s Championship opener against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light have gone on sale.
The Black Cats will begin their 2022/23 campaign on Sunday, July 31 (12pm kickoff ), with the match set to be televised on Sky Sports.
Adult tickets are priced between £29 and £35, while Under-22 and Over-65s tickets can be purchased at a cheaper price. Sunderland have already sold 30,372 season tickets for the upcoming campaign, following their promotion from League One.