Newcastle transfer news: Freddie Woodman wanted by Everton and Crystal Palace on permanent deal as Toon aim for loan swap
Magpies having to fend off interest from rivals for highly-rated young stopper as they aim to get him League One switch
NEWCASTLE are bracing themselves for bids for England U-20s star Freddie Woodman, according to reports.
Toon chiefs are trying to secure a League One loan swap for the highly-rated stopper to give him more experience.
But the claims Everton and Crystal Palace are both plotting a raid before the transfer window closes.
England Under-20s star Woodman has been on the radar of Liverpool and Tottenham over the past few years.
And after he scooped the Golden Glove award as the Young Lions won the World Cup, his stock has risen dramatically.
The Croydon-born keeper signed a new four-year deal last summer and is happy to go out on loan.
Northampton Town and Heart of Midlothian have both expressed an interest but no terms have been agreed.
Woodman, 20, is yet to play for the Magpies after the signed him from Palace’s academy in 2013.
But he has gained valuable experience with Hartlepool, Crawley and Kilmarnock, as well as representing England at every youth level.
Everton have already raided Toon once this summer – poaching left-back Lewis Gibson, 16.
Gibson was able to opt out of the last year of his scholarship, with Everton paying £900,000 plus potential add-ons in compensation.
