Experienced Left-Back Josh Ruffels on Radar of Bradford, Wigan, and Wimbledon

Former Huddersfield Town defender Josh Ruffels is wanted by Bradford City and Wigan Athletic, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

But AFC Wimbledon could also join the race to sign the experienced left-back.

Our sources understand both the Bantams and Latics are hungry to get a deal done before the close of business on transfer deadline day. 

And Ruffels, who was released by the Terriers in June after three seasons with the Yorkshire club, is understandably keen to get a permanent move sorted.

The 31-year-old full-back has bags of experience of playing in all three divisions below the Premier League.

He spent eight seasons with Oxford United, playing in League Two then League One before the Terriers came calling in July 2021.

Injury frustratingly prevented Ruffles from making a big impact in his first proper season in the Championship.

But the following season the experienced full-back started 33 league games for the Terriers and chipped in with three goals.

PECKING ORDER

However, last season he fell down the pecking order and only played 11 games, before the club decide not to offer him a new deal this summer.

And as a free agent the defender is an attractive proposition for both the Bantams and Latics as they look to strengthen their squad with experience for this season.

However, the Dons are also believed to be interested in trying to sign Ruffels, with manager Johnnie Jackson having already strengthened his defence with the signing of free agent Patick Bauer.

The former Preston North End defender joined the club on a one-year contract last month.

Ruffles started his career with Coventry City but made just one appearance for the Sky Blues during a three-year spell.

But the defender would the go on to play 257 games for the U’s before his move to the Terriers.