Preston are keen on Freddie Woodman and have allegedly opened talks to bring the Newcastle United goalkeeper to Deepdale.
North End are desperate for at least two new goalkeepers having seen six stoppers depart the club in recent months.
From Daniel Iversen’s return to Leicester City to Declan Rudd’s retirement all the way down to the release of Oliver Lombard and Declyn Duggan, Preston have a goalkeeping shortage.
A number of goalkeepers have been linked with Preston and Newcastle ace Woodman is emerging as a top target.
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Preston are keen on Freddie Woodman
The Sun broke reports of Preston’s interest in Woodman last weekend before the Northern Echo claimed a loan bid had been made.
Woodman needs first-team action and Preston can certainly give him that.
The 25-year-old is down Newcastle’s pecking order and played just once after joining Bournemouth on loan in January.
Woodman has though proven himself in the Championship before, shining in two seasons on loan at Swansea City.
Woodman worked with current Preston assistant coach Mike Marsh at Swansea, which could play a part in North End’s interest.
There is a new update today as Football Insider claim that Preston are in talks to sign Woodman on loan.
It’s stated that the loan would be with a view to a permanent deal but that may be complicated.
Woodman is out of contract next summer and it seems unlikely that Newcastle would allow him out on loan in that situation.
Woodman would be an ideal replacement for Iversen though and has recently been praised by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Howe told the Northern Echo in May that he thinks Woodman is an ‘outstanding’ goalkeeper whilst noting that his move to Bournemouth was ultimately a disappointment.
Howe admitted that it was difficult to say whether Woodman had a future at Newcastle, possibly opening the door for Preston to move in.
“Goalkeeper is the hardest position in the sense that Freddie went on loan, but I know Mark Travers very well, and he’s an outstanding goalkeeper,” said Howe. “His game probably kicked on to another level from having Freddie behind him, so it was difficult for Freddie to get any game time, which was obviously a disappointment for us and for him.”
“He’s an outstanding young goalkeeper. We’ll be sitting down with Freddie to discuss what his next step is. But at this moment in time, it’s difficult to say,” he added.