Decision time for 6ft 4in former England goalkeeper 'offered' to Newcastle United this summer

John Ruddy has announced he is leaving Birmingham City after deciding to opt for pastures new rather than face a season in League One with the Blues.

The 37-year-old former England international was believed to have been offered to Newcastle earlier this month as reported by Chronicle Live on June 15. The 6ft 4in stopper would provide extra competition for Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka with Mark Gillespie also staying on for another season after being granted an extension.

But his next move is expected to be decided soon with Newcastle thought to be on his list of offers. Ruddy posted on Instagram: "I would just like to say thank you.

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"Thank you to all of you Bluenoses that made me and my family feel so welcome at your wonderful club over the last two years.

"It didn’t end as any of us wanted to but I hope the one thing that you can say about me was I gave everything every time I pulled the shirt on. Sometimes it was enough and other times it wasn’t to be, but it was a genuine privilege to play for your club."

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is believed to be keen to bring in extra experience and one or two calm influences around the dressing room this summer. Having lost both Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie, he knows that having players who can deal with not being star of the show every week are vital.