Noel Whelan has claimed that Leeds United should make a move for John Ruddy, insisting that the Wolves goalkeeper has the experience to be a success at Elland Road.  

Leeds have to consider Kiko Casilla’s off-field issues when they weigh up their goalkeeping options, with a permanent deal for Illan Meslier likely to develop given the young loanee’s impressive form recently.

So, with that in mind, Whelan has responded to the suggestion Leeds could make a move for Ruddy, who is now way down the pecking order at Wolves after the Molineux club established themselves back in the Premier League in style.

Talking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “It is very important that you have somebody between the sticks that has experience and a big personality – he has certainly got that. He has been around a long time.

“The fact that he is British helps, especially when you are communicating with defenders and organising set pieces. 

“He knows what it is all about. It is imperative that you get players like that in key areas. We talk about strikers but goalkeepers. 

“It is very difficult these days to find a very good goalkeeper. There is a mistake in every single one but it is about limiting that and how many they make across a season.”

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In the last two summers, Leeds have moved to sign two players that helped Wolves to the Championship title in 2017/18.

Barry Douglas arrived in the summer of 2018, whilst 12 months later, Helder Costa arrived at Elland Road on a loan-to-buy deal.

The Verdict  

Leeds and Wolves have clearly built a strong relationship over recent seasons, which is evident when you look at the deals for Douglas and Costa.

There’s no proper suggestion that they will be targeting any deal for Ruddy in the coming months, but as Whelan states, it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world given his experience.

Matching that up with Meslier’s potential would leave Leeds in a solid place.

Thoughts? Let us know!