Ruddy to join Toffees

Last updated : 01 March 2005 By Paul Farrington
John Ruddy
The 18 year old stopper has spent two weeks training with Manchester United but yesterday signed a pre-contract agreement with Everton and will join them at the end of the season for an undisclosed fee.

Cambridge chairman Roger Hunt told the U's website: "I'm delighted for him. He will have the chance to work with Chris Woods and their goalkeepers two days a week which can only help him and us for the rest of the season."

It was unlikely that the stopper would join Wigan as a number of Premiership sides have expressed an interested and with Nigel Martyn - Everton's number one - getting on in years, Ruddy will see the move as a good one with a strong chance of Premiership football.

News seems to have slowed down on the Latics transfer front this week with most of Paul Jewell's attention turned to the top of the table clash with Ipswich at the JJB Stadium this coming Saturday.