Charlton Athletic have exploratory discussions to sign Birmingham City goalkeeper

Charlton Athletic have started early talks to sign Birmingham City goalkeeper John Ruddy this summer, according to a source.

The 37-year-old has been given an extension to stay at St Andrew’s, as his current contract is set to expire at the end of this month.

According to sources, Charlton are looking at signing Ruddy to enhance their goalkeeping options for next season.

The experienced shot-stopper played a key role in Birmingham’s relegation from the Championship last season.

If he cannot agree on an extension, Ruddy will leave the West Midlands club on a free transfer this month, with Charlton starting negotiations with him over a possible move to The Valley.

John Ruddy could join Charlton after Birmingham relegation

Ruddy has spent the last two years with Birmingham, coming on a free transfer from Wolves in the summer of 2022.

The one-cap England international has made 89 appearances in that time, cementing his position as the club’s number one.

While Birmingham’s season was poor, Ruddy kept 11 clean sheets in 44 Championship starts despite being relegated to League One.

St Andrew’s officials have given him a new contract to stay with the club after selecting Chris Davies as manager, but Charlton have now begun discussions to sign him this summer.

Nathan Jones’s team has already been proactive in the transfer market, signing goalkeeper Will Mannion from Cambridge United and experienced midfielder Luke Berry from Luton Town.

On June 19, Football Insider revealed that the League One side had also agreed to sign Millwall defender Alex Mitchell this summer.