They have signed Hull City goalkeeper Ryan Allsop on a three-year deal. He was the Tigers’ number one last season under Liam Rosenior but has been deemed disposable by new boss Tim Walter.

Allsop’s arrival is likely to signal the end of their interest in re-signing Ruddy. The 32-year-old is seen as someone capable of playing out from the back in the possession-based style that Davies wants to implement.

It remains to be seen whether Rovers might move for Ruddy, should Wahlstedt move on. The recruitment team has been overhauled since the initial stories of interest, with new Head of Recruitment John Park and Eustace taking the lead on new arrivals along with Chef Executive Steve Waggott.

Ruddy’s family is based in Norwich but travelling is not off the table for the goalkeeper, who wants to continue playing after two years of being Birmingham’s number one.

“I still want to play and that would be my first preference because I have really enjoyed playing in the last two years,” he said.

“My situation is my wife and kids stayed in Norwich when I left.

“That is purely a decision me and my wife made because the kids were happy, they were in school and settled. My son is starting full-time with Norwich in the summer and has a scholarship. My daughter is happy and my wife is incredibly supportive.

“I’ve maybe got a couple of years left playing so if something weird and wonderful comes up on the other side of the country, it’s something we would have to think about.

“I’ve lived away from home effectively for eight years so it’s difficult because you’re missing out on so much, but you are doing it for the greater good. Their life in Norwich is where we wanted it to be when we first had kids.

“If I have to travel, I will travel. The problem is there’s not that many clubs close to Norwich either!”