Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Preston North End goalkeeper Freddie Woodman this summer.
The 28-year-old spent the latter stages of his youth career with Newcastle United before turning professional with the Magpies, but he only made nine first-team appearances for the club, spending the majority of his time at St James’ Park out on loan.
Woodman secured a permanent switch to Preston in 2022, and he has represented his current side on 138 occasions, keeping 44 clean sheets in the process.
This season, the Englishman has turned out on 44 occasions for the Championship team, keeping 17 clean sheets, but he only has a contract at Deepdale until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Woodman is allegedly being tracked by a number of clubs, and according to The Sun, there is interest from Man United, with the Red Devils considering a move for the experienced goalkeeper.
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Man United ‘keen on Preston goalkeeper Woodman’
There is currently huge uncertainty when it comes to the goalkeeping positions at Man United, as number one Andre Onana is being linked with a departure due to his difficulties at Old Trafford.
Onana has had some standout matches for the 20-time English champions this season, but he has again made some high-profile mistakes, while only nine clean sheets have been secured in 41 outings in 2024-25.
Number two Altay Bayindir is also being linked with an exit, with the Turkey international believed to be keen to be a number one elsewhere, so there is a chance that he may depart at the end of the campaign.
Number three Tom Heaton, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of June, and it is thought to be unlikely that a fresh deal will be offered.
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Woodman unlikely to be Man United’s first-choice goalkeeper
It is incredibly difficult to imagine Woodman being Man United’s number one goalkeeper, with the Englishman instead potentially being targeted to operate as the number two during the 2025-26 campaign.
Woodman could therefore face a big decision when it comes to his career, as there are also expected to be offers from teams where he would be the first-choice player between the sticks.
Despite the recent speculation surrounding Onana, it is believed that the Cameroonian is more likely to stay than leave this summer, with Man United instead set to spend the majority of their budget on a new centre-forward.
