The Sun has revealed that Preston North End have agreed a fee with Norwich City for goalkeeper Declan Rudd. The player has enjoyed two loan spells at Deepdale in the past, but is set to return to battle Chris Maxwell for the number one jersey.
It is understood that the Canaries will receive £1million for Rudd, who spent last season out on loan in Sky Bet League One with Charlton Athletic. With Angus Gunn arriving at Carrow Road on loan, it has pushed Rudd even further down the pecking order, meaning he is happy to seal a move away.
Anders Lindegaard was allowed to leave the club at the end of the season as Simon Grayson elected to not offer him an extension. The club have acted swiftly to find his replacement and it is someone who is both proven in this league and specifically at the club based on past showings.
It certainly promises to be an intriguing battle as to who will become the number one in the eyes of Grayson at Preston. Maxwell, who joined last summer from Fleetwood Town, initially started last season as second fiddle to Lindegaard. However he won his place in the side and would play virtually every game after the first few. Rudd is someone who won’t be content to just sit on the bench, but he accepts he’ll have to fight to win his place.
Rudd, aged 26, has over 100 games of experience under his belt. This includes over 20 appearances for Norwich, but hasn’t played for them since February 2016 when they were still a Premier League club. He is set to move on for a new challenge.
