Birmingham City boss John Eustace has revealed why they club rebuffed interest from Luton in their goalkeeper John Ruddy.
The Hatters have since added a second new goalkeeper to their squad in experienced Holland international Tim Krul, after signing Thomas Kaminski from Blackburn Rovers.
Before that Town had been linked to Asmir Begovic, Manchester United’s Tom Heaton and West Bromwich Albion’s Alex Palmer and a fee was reportedly agreed with Birmingham for Ruddy.
The Blues have just secured new investment from NFL quarterback legend Tom Brady, who has become a minority owner of the club, so they are in a strong position to resist interest from other clubs.
Speaking to Birmingham Live, City boss Eustace said: “John has been a vital part of what we’ve wanted to do since I came in.
“We signed him last summer and he’s proven he is still a top goalkeeper at this level.
“It’s full testament to him that a Premier League club wanted to take him.
“We’re very fortunate that we have a good goalkeeper there and going forward he is going to be massive in that dressing room for us and I’m very pleased he’s staying.
“His attitude, his desire and his level of professionalism is second to none.
“I spoke to him about the bid from Luton and whatnot, he said ‘You’ve got nothing to worry about, I’m 100 per cent focused on Birmingham City and I’m 100 per cent focused on playing for the boys’.”
