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MOT View: Leeds seem unlikely to sign linked player from PL club after clause is triggered
Wolves have triggered an extension clause in John Ruddy’s contract, which effectively ends any chance he had of heading to Leeds United in the summer.
After Ruddy, 33, was linked with a move to Elland Road by Football Insider, Paul Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News that he could see the former Norwich goalkeeper “moving on” due to his lack of game-time at Wolves.
Ruddy has made just six appearances for the Midlands club this season but none of them have come in the Premier League due to Rui Patricio’s grasp on the number one spot in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
But it seems that the one-time England international will have to stay in Patricio’s shadow at Molineux after it was confirmed that his contract has been extended until 2021.
A statement on Wolves’ official website said on Monday: “Wolves have exercised the option in John Ruddy’s contract, keeping him at the club for the 2020/21 campaign.
“The goalkeeper, who has turned out 60 times for Wolves, has been a key member of our squad since 2017/18 season and his contract extension tops the club’s retained list.”
Leeds might be in need of a new goalkeeper once the transfer window re-opens – whenever that might be – due to the lack of clarity surrounding Kiko Casilla’s future at Elland Road.
Casilla, 33, has failed to impress Leeds supporters with his inconsistent form and ability to gift goals to opposition clubs.
The Spaniard is also currently banned from playing for another six games due to racially abusing Jonathan Leko back in September.
It is uncertain what will happen with Casilla while Illan Melier is also only on loan at Elland Road, so the goalkeeper position is certainly one that might look completely different by the time next season comes around.
But one thing seems certain and that is that Ruddy is likely to stay at Wolves for at least another season.
Leeds could always come in with an offer for Ruddy but he’ll no longer be available on a free transfer, like he would have been if Wolves didn’t extend his deal.
In other Leeds United news, Arturo Vidal has backed criticism of Marcelo Bielsa.