Leeds United are eyeing a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, it has been claimed.
The Whites were in a troubling situation this past weekend as head coach Marcelo Bielsa had neither Jamal Blackman nor first choice custodian Bailey Peacock-Farrell to choose from after and had to go with Will Huffer in goal.
Huffer didn’t have to do much as the side emerged 2-0 winners and Peacock-Farrell returned from his knee injury to play a key role in Leeds’ win against Reading on Tuesday.
The club are unlikely to settle for an inexperienced number two with a promotion chase in mind, however, and are eyeing a move for Woodman according to Chronicle Live.
The problem began when Blackman suffered a broken tibia while playing for the Leeds U23 side during the international break. He has since returned to his parent club Chelsea.
Woodman could be the ideal backup
The 21-year old has failed to break into the Newcastle first team and has been restricted to reserve games so far this season.
Having made 10 appearances for the reserve side, he is in good playing condition, which is what Leeds will look at in January.
Goalkeepers don’t get injured too often but as was the case last week, you can never be too sure. Leeds intend to sign a goalkeeper in January and reports indicate that Woodman is desperate for a move.
Peacock-Farrell has done really well in goal for Bielsa’s side and his recent penalty save late on against Reading means he has strengthened his hold on the first team berth.
Someone like Woodman, who hasn’t even seen the bench too often for Newcastle this season as the Rafa Benitez has often preferred Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot, could be the ideal fit for what Leeds require at the moment.
Woodman has had quite a few loan moves in recent years including spells in the Scottish Premiership with Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
The England U21 international wanted a loan spell before the season began but had to remain with the Magpies and play with the reserve team. He has managed just one cleansheet in the Premier League 2 so far.
