Former Everton man pens emotional farewell message after Newcastle United approach

The 37-year-old will officially become a free agent on July 1 after two years as Birmingham’s No.1. Ruddy made 89 appearances in total but leaves following the Blues’ relegation from the Championship.

Confirming his exit on Thursday, Ruddy wrote on Instagram: “I would just like to say thank you.Thank you to all of you bluenoses that made me and my family feel so welcome at your wonderful club over the last 2 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. “I wish the players, staff and fans nothing but success and as I’ve said previously I believe the club will get to where they want and should be! Good luck and thank you again. John and family.”

Ruddy is said to be mulling over several contract offers, including one from Newcastle. Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe is on the lookout for a third choice goalkeeper to replace Loris Karius, who has been released ahead of an expected move to Italy.

And like Karius, Ruddy has plenty of experience. The Saint Ives-born shotstopper started his career at Cambridge United before sealing a move to Everton, however he made just one appearance amid nine different loan spells.

It was at Norwich City where Ruddy enjoyed his most success, twice winning promotion to the Premier League in 242 appearances. Ruddy then added a third promotion to his CV with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he spent five years before joining Birmingham.

Martin Dubravka is currently Newcastle’s second choice goalkeeper but is expected to be replaced by Burnley’s James Trafford. Ruddy would in between Trafford and Mark Gillespie with Nick Pope as the No.1.