Birmingham City is keen on acquiring a ‘footballing goalkeeper’ who received high praise from Wayne Rooney.

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Birmingham City is interested in signing Hull City goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, according to BirminghamLive. The 32-year-old, originally from Birmingham, is expected to leave Hull following a managerial change, and the Blues might offer him a chance to return to his hometown. The Blues are in need of at least one goalkeeper, as the future of last season’s number one, John Ruddy, remains uncertain.

Ruddy is currently considering a contract offer and has been in discussions with other clubs. With the release of Neil Etheridge at the end of last season, the Blues are without a senior goalkeeper.

Allsop played 37 Championship games for Hull last season, achieving 10 clean sheets, including one against Birmingham City in a 2-0 win at St Andrew’s in October. The Blues are looking for a goalkeeper comfortable with ball control, and Allsop has been praised for this skill in recent seasons. Wayne Rooney, who signed Allsop for Derby County, commended his abilities when he became Blues manager.

Rooney stated, “He is a footballing goalkeeper. I had him at Derby County, and he’s doing the exact same at Hull. His decision-making in playing short or long balls dictates the positioning of the backline and helps in starting plays.”

Before joining Hull, Allsop had significant experience in the Championship with Cardiff City and Derby County. Throughout his career, he has played for 15 different clubs, including a stint in Iceland. Being Birmingham-born and having started his career as a trainee with West Bromwich Albion, a move to the Blues would be a return to his roots.