Newcastle United goalkeeper had significant Premier League interest ahead of summer move

It is safe to say Freddie Woodman’s Newcastle United career did not quite hit the levels many expected as he worked his way through the academy ranks.

After moving to St James Park in the summer of 2013, much was expected of the promising goalkeeper and he looked to be living up to that promise during several loan spells away from Tyneside.

Woodman spent time with the likes of Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Swansea City in a bid to impress a succession of Magpies managers to force his way into the first-team setup.

International success was also secured as the Croydon-born stopper helped England Under-17s claim the European Championship in 2014 before becoming a World Cup winner as an Under-20 in 2017.

But first-team opportunities with United were few and far-between and Woodman racked up just nine senior appearances during a nine-year stay at St James Park.

His time on Tyneside came to a close during the summer when Championship club Preston North End won the race for his services by agreeing an undisclosed fee with the Magpies.

Woodman has taken to life in the second tier in fine style, conceding just just five goals in 13 games and keeping nine clean sheets in the process.

But North End manager Ryan Lowe has revealed the 25-year-old could have grasped a second chance to impress in the Premier League after several top-tier clubs registered an interest ahead of his move to Deepdale.

He told Lancs Live: “It certainly helped with him being at the same agency as me I’m sure (getting the deal complete)!

“It definitely did down the line, because it was a battle in itself with Premier League clubs on the phone to him when he was driving down here to sign.

“He told them no, that it was done and that his mind and heart was set on it.”

Woodman will hope to continue his impressive start to life at Preston when his side visit title contenders Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.