OPINION
Everton are reportedly keen on signing Newcastle’s rising star Freddie Woodman.
The Chronicle claim that the Toffees and Crystal Palace are interested in landing the goalkeeper, who helped England’s Under-20s win the World Cup this summer.
The report details that Newcastle should be in a strong position to fend off their Premier League rivals as the 20-year-old is still under contract at St James’ Park until 2020.
Good move for Everton?
Everton put much of their focus on introducing young talents into the first team and clearly feel Woodman can develop into a star, with his form at the Under-20s World Cup very impressive.
Ronald Koeman’s side would be bringing in a promising talent from Newcastle and would look to use him in the long-term.
His best bet would be a loan spell next season to continue his development, with Northampton and Hearts trying to secure a deal for him this summer already.
Everton already have three senior goalkeepers in Jordan Pickford, Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg competing for a starting position.
Woodman would be a good long-term investment and could eventually rival Pickford for the number one jersey, but is not one the Toffees could expect to see in the new season if he switches to Goodison Park.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Everton snapped up Newcastle wonderkid Lewis Gibson earlier in the summer, but a deal for Woodman appears to be much more of a long shot.
The Magpies will not want to part ways with their upcoming talent, who they feel can have a big future at St James’ Park.
The England Under-20 international may also feel his chances of a first-team breakthrough are much greater at Newcastle than at Everton.
Woodman’s performances this summer have put him on the radar of Premier League clubs, but Rafael Benitez will be fully aware of the talented goalkeeper at his disposal.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10