Rudd rejoins Preston from Norwich

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during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Norwich City at the Vitality Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Bournemouth, England.

Goalkeeper Declan Rudd will rejoin Preston after agreeing a permanent move from Sky Bet Championship rivals Norwich City.

The 26-year-old, who made 69 appearances for the Lilywhites during two loan spells in 2013 and 2014, has signed a three-year deal at Deepdale for an undisclosed fee. He will link up with his new team-mates on July 1.

“Coming back here is something that has always been in my mind,” he told Preston’s official website.

“When I was on loan here a few years ago it felt like home to me and everyone made me feel welcome and wanted.

“The last three or four years I’ve been here, there and everywhere and I’m happy to finally come back and get things under way.”

Former England Under-21 international Rudd turned professional with the Canaries in 2008 and went on to make 21 league appearances at Carrow Road.

He spent last season on loan at League One Charlton, playing 40 times in all competitions.

North End manager Simon Grayson said Rudd would provide competition for Chris Maxwell.

“We are delighted to have signed Declan,” Grayson said.

“We have worked with him before and we now have really good competition for the goalkeeping spot – we have two outstanding senior goalkeepers to choose from.

“Chris (Maxwell) had a fantastic year, last year, and we wanted to bring in someone who would provide quality competition for the number one spot.”