Done deal: Wolves sign goalkeeper John Ruddy

The 30-year-old has penned a two-year deal and joins on a free transfer after leaving Norwich City at the end of last season.

Ruddy was today flying to Austria with the rest of the first team squad for a nine-day trip that includes three matches.

The keeper, who earned his solitary England cap in 2012 under Roy Hodgson and played 243 times for the Canaries including four seasons in the Premier League.

Wolves were looking to sign Ruddy even before the devastating news of Carl Ikeme's leukaemia diagnosis, but obviously that development increased the club's need for a new goalkeeper.

Ruddy admitted it was a 'bitter-sweet' feeling to be joining the club during such sad circumstances.

He said: "First and foremost I want to send my best wishes to Carl and his family at this difficult time.

"As the club have already stated he is going to be backed with all the help and support that he and his family need.

"I know the players that have been here for a very long time with him will be feeling it as well.

"So yes, this is a bitter-sweet feeling for me – it is good to be here but the circumstances could have been better.

"The plan would have been for me to come in and here and be competing against Carl.

"Having played against him over a number of years I know what a good goalkeeper he is so it would have been fantastic for the club to have had us competing and bringing out the best in each other.

"Now it is a situation where football takes a back seat for Carl and everyone’s thoughts are with him."

It's understood that Andy Lonergan has been told he can leave the club this summer, meaning Ruddy may not be the last goalkeeper to arrive before the season starts on August 5.

Ruddy arrives with an impressive CV – and is aiming to be back in the Premier League with his new club in 12 months' time.

"There were other offers on the table but Wolves is the one which excited me the most," Ruddy, who is believed to have turned down Sunderland, added.

"Everyone within the football world can see that they are trying to do something exciting and really progress as a club

"They have shuffled around the head coaches a bit but hopefully have found a settled formula now and the signings coming in will have a positive influence on the squad going forward.

"I see this as the second chapter of my career now.

"Being 30 years old, and feeling in the best shape I have been in for a long while, I am determined that Wolves will get the best out of me that I feel I can give them.

"With the changes happening in the club at the moment, the players that are coming in and the manager’s vision for it, it suits me down to the ground.

"Every player in the changing room here wants to play in the Premier League. And I am no different.

"I have had a taste of it and I know what it is about. I know how to get out of this league as well which hopefully will have a positive influence on the other guys."

"The expectation levels at Wolves are going higher and higher. This season is a big season for the football club and hopefully we can all come together with the same aim, which is promotion."

Wolves will spend nine days in Austria, taking in three games against Bundesliga side Werder Bremen and Czech top flight team FC Viktoria Plzen and FK Jablonec.

Ruddy is one of seven new signings who travelled this morning and he's looking forward to getting to know his new team mates.

"This is always an important time and getting the game time and training days under my belt is vital," Ruddy added.

"I have been doing individual work and gym work over the summer so to be able to get the footballs out again will be nice.

"I have spoken to Ryan (Bennett) a fair bit over the last few weeks and he says he has settled in really well, is enjoying the club and that there is a good group of lads here.

"I am looking forward to getting to know them better over the next week or so."