Despite being odds-on, it's most unlikely goalkeeper John Ruddy is signing for Sunderland

Reports in the past few days have claimed former Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy is on the verge of signing for Sunderland but despite being rated as 'odds-on' by at least one bookmaker to land at the Stadium of Light, it seems the veteran is actually nowhere near.

Because fresh claims emerging late yesterday hint that the 30-year-old is actually set to be unveiled at Wolves and there is a suggestion that confirmation of that deal has been understandably delayed after Thursday's news that current Molineux stopper Carl Ikeme has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Those headlines in the north east press during the week which suggested that Ruddy was virtually certain to sign for Sunderland appear to have been distinctly premature. Worse, they were almost solely based on bookmaker BetVictor slashing the odds that the 6ft 4in stopper was about to move to the Stadium of Light.

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Proof perhaps that whilst betting odds can be a means by which to prompt a little barroom banter about transfer gossip, they're probably little use on which to base newspaper articles.

Anyone who lobbed a few quid on Ruddy joining Sunderland based on those press pieces looks to have lost the lot anyway and as usual, only the bookies will have won on that one.

As for Sunderland, the consideration of goalkeeping options is an ongoing process as new boss Simon Grayson ponders the resources he has available.

The only other name presently in the frame is that of Leeds stopper Rob Green. The former England international is said to be keeping his options open since the arrival of Felix Weidwald from Werder Bremen to rival his spot as number one in West Yorkshire.

Green has been mooted as either a replacement for Vito Mannone in the event he's sold or cover in the event the Italian stays at Sunderland. Whether the former international and current Leeds goalie would be willing to swap the bench at Elland Road for the same at the Stadium of Light seems doubtful however.

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Sam Johnstone has been the other goalie regularly linked with Sunderland - with transfer rumours stretching back to the January window to suggest that the Manchester United 'keeper could be on the move to Wearside.

The 24-year-old was at Villa last season and has long been assumed to be top of Steve Bruce's wishlist to sign permanently. However, those reports last week that the West Midlands club are poised to swoop for Manchester City's Joe Hart may see Johnstone become available again for Sunderland to take a look at.

Johnstone has previously worked with Black Cats boss Simon Grayson at Preston and may be tempted to rekindle that working relationship.

Other vague names which have been mentioned as potential Black Cats goalkeeping targets include Crystal Palace stopper Steve Mandanda who looks to be on the move this summer. A return to France seems to be most likely for him though.

One-time Moyes target, Frenchman Cedric Carrasso - who was offered a deal at Sunderland last year - may still be a possibility though he appears to be wanted by Ligue 1 side Racing Club Lens.

Alternatively, Sunderland's young Polish stopper Max Stryjek could be an option as cover between the sticks if Mannone stays and Grayson concludes that forgotten man Mike Domingues can step up to be number two. The Portuguese 'keeper played 45 minutes last night against Bury and the Black Cats boss will have intended to run the rule over him.