Crystal Palace set for January swoop for Championship keeper
Published:
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is hoping to provide more competition for goalkeeper Julian Speroni with a January raid on Norwich City.
The Eagles boss will rival Everton for the signature of John Ruddy who, despite sticking with the Canaries following last year’s relegation, is attracting plenty of attention in the build up to the transfer window.
Ruddy, who was in the running for a squad place at the summer’s World Cup in Brazil, has two and half years remaining on his Carrow Road contract and as such would command a figure of around £4m.
At present, Speroni has only 22-year-old Chris Kettings and Wayne Hennessy as competition for his place, with Wales international Lewis Price currently on loan with Crawley and looking to secure a permanent switch after playing just six league games in four years at Selhurst Park.
Kettings may be one for the future, but after featuring in just two league games since his summer arrival Hennessy, 27, could soon be looking for opportunities elsewhere.
Argentine stopper Speroni has been in good form this season and, having played some 335 games for the Eagles, is something of a club legend.
However, at 35-years-old the former Dundee ‘keeper is entering the twilight of his career and
Warnock is keen to keep his number one on his toes and at the same time find a long-term successor for the No1 jersey.
Everton are in a similar situation, with US international Tim Howard now 36-years-old, and Roberto
Martinez will be hoping that Ruddy will jump at the chance to prove himself at the club where he spent five years as an understudy – making just one league appearance between 2005 and 2010.
Palace entertain Stoke this weekend looking to build on the 0-0 draw with Tottenham last time out and Warnock’s men are given the favourites tag at 6/4.
The Potters will be confident themselves after beating Arsenal last weekend and can be backed at 15/8 to claim all three points, while a share of the spoils is on at 11/5.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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