It’s fair to say Declan Rudd is enjoying a strong season.
The much-criticised goalkeeper has kicked on this term, and overcome some early-season struggles to turn in impressive displays. On Saturday, he was at it again as he made numerous saves to keep Blackburn Rovers at bay and earn a 1-1 draw.
There’s no doubting that Rudd is the best goalkeeper at the club, and fans have started to appreciate him more. With the budget North End have, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that a new goalkeeper will be signed that can just walk in and replace Rudd.
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However, North End may need to replace Rudd soon. The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and whilst he has been spoken to about a new deal, there hasn’t been much movement on that in recent times.
Preston are at risk of losing Rudd, and Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke now claims that West Ham United are eyeing a shock move for the shot-stopper.
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West Ham’s move for Darren Randolph is on hold due to medical issues, and they’re now looking at alternatives to the Middlesbrough stopper, with Rudd allegedly one option.
A £750,000 bid is suggested as a possibility, with David Moyes potentially looking to raid Preston again – just as he did for Jordan Hugill in the January 2018 window.
Rudd would likely operate as Lukasz Fabianski’s backup long-term, but with the Polish international out, Rudd would have a chance to start immediately in the Premier League; an appealing prospect, whilst also giving him a move back down south.
Preston won’t want to sell in January, but with Rudd’s contract situation hanging over the club, there’s a real chance he could leave this month – especially if a Premier League club wants him.