Newcastle United are likely to agree terms on a new deal with young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman before loaning him out in January, according to Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh.
Speaking in a Q&A on Friday (13:31), he claimed that Woodman’s current contract, which expires in 2020, was proving to be a stumbling block for a temporary move away, with the club wanting him to sign a new deal before heading out on loan.
Waugh reported that a new contract was still not yet agreed, but claimed that he does expect a resolution to be reached and for the 6ft 2in Woodman [Transfermarkt] to head out on a loan deal in January.
OPINION
This is good news for Newcastle fans, who will be anxious to see Woodman head on loan in the January window. The young goalkeeper is a real talent, and everyone at the club knows it. For his development to be stunted by rotting in the reserves is far from ideal at this stage of his career, and a loan in January is essential now. It does look like the club blocked him from heading out in the summer because of this contract situation, and for that to happen again would be criminal. Newcastle must do everything they can to keep Woodman happy on Tyneside, with the 21-year-old set to become a real star in the near future. He is obviously itching to prove himself out on loan once again after a spell with Aberdeen last season, and will now be hoping for a similar move, possibly to a Championship club when January rolls around.