Blackburn Rovers eyeing up 15-cap international goalkeeper as John Ruddy alternative | OneFootball

Luton Town's Tim Krul is of interest to Blackburn Rovers if they can't sign John Ruddy this summer.

Blackburn Rovers will turn their attentions to Luton Town stopper Tim Krul if they cannot reach a contract agreement for veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy.

This is according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, who places the former Dutch international on the radar of John Eustace.

Last season, Aynsley Pears and Leopold Wahlstedt shared the duties in-between the sticks at Ewood Park, with both keepers struggling at times.

Eustace has identified that experience is the way of combatting this, and 36-year-old Krul is a rather accomplished keeper, having played for the likes of Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and AZ Alkmaar - as well as the Netherlands national team.

Entering the final stage of his career, Krul struggled for game time last season due to Thomas Kaminski's exploits. With this in mind, Eustace's first-team offer to the Dutchman could prove enticing as he looks to display his ability one final time.

Blackburn Rovers, Tim Krul transfer hinges on John Ruddy

Since May, Nixon has reported that Ruddy is of interest to Blackburn after his stint with Birmingham City, with many of his games coming under Eustace's management.

These links have only been heightened after Ruddy announced his departure from St. Andrew's on Thursday, despite the Midlands outfit offering the keeper a new one-year deal to play for them in League One.

Any transfer for Ruddy is not at an advanced stage though, and Rovers face competition with Newcastle interested in securing the 37-year-old's services as a back-up keeper to Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka, although that may now change with Nottingham Forest man Odysseas Vlachodimos set to arrive at St. James' Park.

This uncertainty has seen Eustace and his hierarchy turn their attention to Krul, with the former Ajax keeper possibly proving a reliable option.

According to Nixon, the key behind this deal could be the offer from Blackburn to play first-team football. Krul hasn't been a regular for two seasons now at both Norwich City and Luton, but his previous experiences speak for themselves, with the keeper known for moments such as his big penalty saves for the Netherlands in a World Cup quarter-final against Costa Rica.

Both Krul or Ruddy would prove astute additions to a young squad and in all likelihood will cost a minimal amount given the stage they are both at in their career.

Blackburn should target Tim Krul deal over John Ruddy

Both Ruddy and Krul have been promoted from the Championship twice with Norwich City, but Krul's more recent exploits suggest he is the one who could lead Rovers back up that Championship table.

In 2020-21, he was the top keeper in the division. In 36 league appearances, he conceded just 23 goals, keeping 17 clean sheets at the same time.

His experience can be crucial not only for the team but for Rovers' young goalkeepers, who made mistakes all too frequently last season. The former Dutch international could be the perfect guide then and will help players like Pears learn before they make that step-up and become the number-one keeper in the coming years.

While Ruddy certainly brings this valuable experience, Krul has competed at a significantly higher level, with numerous appearances in prestigious competitions such as the World Cup, Europa League, and Premier League.

However, any deal for Krul hinges on whether they can sign Ruddy or not, with the former Wolves man supposedly the number one target.

Whichever goalkeeper Blackburn sign, they will not only acquire a top-tier talent but also a mentor who can significantly contribute to the team's ambitions and future success.