Newcastle United summer signing already linked with bizarre loan move despite ‘massive’ opportunity

Blackburn Rovers are weighing up a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper John Ruddy, according to reports.

The Magpies signed the 37-year-old as backup following his release from Birmingham City. Ruddy spent two years at the Blues but last season ended in heartbreak as the club dropped to League One.

While not a serious contender for first-team football, Newcastle needed a backup keeper after losing Loris Karius. Ruddy also helps the Magpies with the homegrown quota, although they are comfortably above the eight-player limit.

Alan Nixon now claims the veteran could bizarrely be loaned to Blackburn just weeks after joining Newcastle. Rovers initially wanted Ruddy, with links as early as April ahead of his contract expiring.

John Eustace is keen to sign competition for Aynsley Pears and Ruddy has a wealth of Championship experience. Newcastle remain stacked between the sticks after signing Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest.

Martin Dubravka may also leave, however, which would leave Eddie Howe with Nick Pope, Vlachodimos, Ruddy and Mark Gillespie. Earlier this month, Ruddy hailed the “massive opportunity” of moving to St James’ Park.

“This is a massive club and it’s a massive opportunity so I’m really excited to get started,” he told the club’s media channel. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It’s a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting.”