Hughton keen to keep Ruddy

Norwich manager Chris Hughton insists England goalkeeper John Ruddy remains very much in his plans for next season, despite reports of interest from Chelsea.

New Blues boss Jose Mourinho is said to be an admirer of the 26-year-old, as he looks to provide cover for veteran Peter Cech, with suggestions a £5million bid had already been lodged with the Norfolk club.

"We see very much John's future here and we look forward to him being here," said Hughton. "John would be no different to any player we have here. Any interest in any of our players is just a mark and a testament to how well those individuals have done."

He added: "We start back training on Thursday. John is very much part of our plans and will be here.

"Then we go away to Austria next week and of course John is very much part of that. Any interest shown in any of our players is just a mark of how well they have done."

Norwich have officially unveiled club record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel, captured for £8.5million from Sporting Lisbon, and are also interested in bringing in England under-21 winger Nathan Redmond from Birmingham, Hughton's former club.

Club captain Grant Holt has been linked with a move to Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace, while the Canaries are also said to be tracking Sweden international Ola Toivonen at PSV Eindhoven.

Hughton, however, refused to be drawn on any transfer specifics.

"We are working very hard behind the scenes," he said.

"We are a club which wants to make progress, that means any areas of the squad we can improve, we will do."

Source : http://www.football.co.uk/norwich_city/hughton_keen_to_keep_ruddy_rss4328097.shtml