Rumours linking John Ruddy with a move to Ewood Park are wide of the mark, The Lancashire Telegraph understands.

The experienced goalkeeper, who is reportedly out of contract in the summer, played under John Eustace at Birmingham.

Ruddy has been a key figure for the Blues since the start of the campaign, making 43 appearances in all competitions.

However, it is understood that the 37-year-old is not a target for Rovers, who already have Aynsley Pears and Leo Wahlstedt in their goalkeeping department.

Pears has been a regular starter since his return from a foot injury that kept him out of action for several months earlier in the season.

Wahlstedt, who arrived from Norwegian club Odds BK in the summer after Thomas Kaminski headed to Luton, stepped in while Pears was sidelined.

Joe Hilton has also been named on the bench at times and started the Carabao Cup tie against Walsall in August. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Nick Machalski signed his first professional deal with the club last month.