Alan Pardew has been linked to yet another of his former charges at Newcastle United - and this time it is young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. The Chronicle claim that both Crystal Palace and Southampton are eyeing up a move for the 18-year-old, who has also been tracked by Arsenal and who is wanted on loan by Oxford United. Oxford are hoping to take the 18-year-old stopper on a season-long loan deal during the forthcoming campaign, with Woodman keen to gain first-team experience having failed to make an appearance during a one-month temporary switch to Hartlepool United in 2014-15 - and the goalkeeper has impressed in a couple of pre-season appearances for the Magpies. The son of Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman, who Pardew also reportedly wants to take with him to Selhurst Park, the shot-stopper is rated as one of the most-promising youngsters at Newcastle. He is from the south London area originally too so could be tempted by a move. Pardew has already been linked with Newcastle's Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini this summer, while former Magpie Yohan Cabaye has also arrived from Paris Saint-Germain. Reserve-team coach Peter Beardsley has been quoted in the past as saying he believes Woodman will one day be a full England international, so the Magpies will be keen to give him much-needed experience in 2015-16. Southampton scouted Woodman during Newcastles Under-21 matches in the 2014-15 campaign and have been impressed by his abilities. The Magpies have aimed to put off suitors by tying Woodman down to a long-term contract, but his undoubted potential means that Premier League clubs will continue to sniff around. Woodman was regularly on the bench last season due to the injuries suffered by Tim Krul and Rob Elliot - and he is seen by the Magpies coaching staff as the long-term successor between the sticks for Newcastle. With Karl Darlow finally arriving from Nottingham Forest this summer, however, Woodmans opportunities on Tyneside in the short term will be limited so he will likely leave on loan. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
