According to the Metro, Everton are one of four clubs interested in Freddie Woodman – Arsenal, Fulham and Celtic have also been linked. The 22-year-old has struggled for playing time at Newcastle United and is expected to be sold this summer while he still holds value. Woodman’s contract runs out in 2020 and he’s not close to putting pen to paper on an extension.
The former England u21 international has made just four appearances in all competitions for Newcastle, conceding six goals. Woodman could be seeking first-team football if he leaves the Magpies, but his chances of regular playing time are slim at Arsenal and Everton.
The Gunners have Bernd Leno as their first-choice goalkeeper and are only looking for a Petr Cech replacement. Everton’s first-choice is Jordan Pickford and they have Maarten Stekelenburg as back-up until 2020. The Toffees don’t have a fervent need for a goalkeeper unless they’re planning to sell an existing player, so it’s unknown if they will make their interest official over the summer.
Due to a lack of minutes in the first-team, Woodman has spent time on loan at Hartlepool United (September 16, 2014 – October 21, 2014), Crawley Town (July 29, 2015 – October 11, 2015), Kilmarnock FC (January 9, 2017 – May 31, 2017) and Aberdeen (January 31, 2018 – May 14, 2018).
With Martin Dubravka ahead of him in the United pecking order, Woodman needs to leave to continue his development. Whether Everton will capitalise on his situation remains to be seen, however.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Out-of-favour Everton man could leave this summer, available for £20m