NUFC talent wants out & could now join Arsenal - Everton & Celtic also keen - Report
According to the Shields Gazette, Freddie Woodman has become 'frustrated' by his lack of opportunities at Newcastle and wants out this summer to 'further his career'.
Their story states that Arsenal are 'leading the race' for hi signature, but it's also reported that the likes of Celtic, Everton and Fulham hold an interest in the England U-21 international.
Here's a snippet from the Gazette's latest piece on Woodman:
'Freddie Woodman could be set for a summer move to Arsenal after growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities at Newcastle United.
'The young goalkeeper is understood to be on the radar of the North London giants as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of next season with Petr Cech retiring.
'Woodman has made three first-team starts for Newcastle this season, all in the cups, and was on the bench for a number of Premier League games after injuries to Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot.
'However, Darlow's return to fitness has seen Woodman relegated from the matchday squad again, and he now finds himself in limbo and concerned about his career.
'Woodman's father, Andy, who was goalkeeper coach at Newcastle under Alan Pardew, is now head of Arsenal's academy goalkeeping, while Chris Terpcou is also on the goalkeeping staff at Islington. Terpcou too worked alongside Woodman at Newcastle.
'With Gunners No 1 Cech set to retire, Arsenal want someone to come in and challenge Bernd Leno, and have identified Woodman as one of the best young prospects.
'Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez would like to keep Woodman, and sell Elliot and Darlow ahead of him, but the 22-year-old is believed to want a move to further his career. Woodman has just 12 months left on his contract and is unlikely to sign a new one, having turned down an extension last summer.'
In all honesty, this wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.
He's an England U-21 international yet he's third choice at Newcastle now Darlow's fit again, he only gets a chance in the cups and doesn't seem likely to get in ahead of Martin Dubravka anytime soon - and rightly so.
He must also be frustrated by the fact we refused to send him out on loan over the past few transfer windows.
We've allowed his career to stagnate, so it may be best for all parties if we let him go - although it could be another moment we live to regret if he goes on to make it.
