Celtic have joined Manchester United in launching a scouting mission for Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman as well as midfielder Sean Longstaff, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Scottish heavyweights and the Premier League behemoth both had scouts watching on in the Magpies’ under-23 clash against Southampton, with Woodman believed to be one of the players at the centre of their attentions.
The highly rated shot stopper, who stands at 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) and helped England’s under-20 side on the way to World Cup glory, picking up the golden glove award, has just one senior appearance for Newcastle under his belt and has a contract which expires in 2019.
It is also stated that Celtic had already made a bid for his services back in January but he ended up moving on loan to Kilmarnock instead.
Good move for Celtic?
Woodman is one of the brightest young talents between the sticks but his lack of game time in the first team at St James’ Park is doing him no favours whatsoever.
The Hoops signed Scott Bain on a permanent deal over the summer and Brendan Rodgers is looking for a long term replacement to fill the boots of Craig Gordon, who is entering the twilight of his career.
Woodman would certainly fit the bill and with Bain as the experienced option, the Newcastle man could learn under his, and Gordon’s, tutelage before taking over the first team responsibilities for himself.
Celtic had success in poaching Fraser Forster from Newcastle before – could the Bhoys see lightning strike twice
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
His contract situation certainly hands to power to the buying clubs, but if Celtic are going to go up against Manchester United they are facing what will probably end up being a losing battle.
However, what the Hoops have on their side is guaranteed first team football and a much quicker progression to help his chances of breaking into the first team for England.
Newcastle will know doubt want to keep their starlet on Tyneside with a new deal, but the clock is running out for Rafael Benitez.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10