Newcastle United goalkeeper Paul Woolston is set to leave the club this summer, according to the Shields Gazette.
The newspaper claim that the 19-year-old stopper will be one of several academy stars to leave the club in a clear-out this summer, despite taking part in first-team training recently.
The Gazette report that Woolston made a good impression on Benitez, who is quoted as saying: “He’s a good keeper. When we need a player on the pitch, he’s quite good with his feet. I think he’s keen to learn. He’s been good with us in every training session.”
Good move for Newcastle United?
It is hard to say, with Woolston not having made any first-team appearances for the Magpies as of yet.
It is a surprise to hear that the stopper is one of the academy stars to leave the club despite Benitez obviously being so impressed with him in first-team training recently.
An academy clear-our has however been on the cards for a while now, and it seems that only a select few players have been lucky enough to retain their contracts.
In truth, Newcastle have a number of good goalkeepers on their books, and it looks a sensible move to let Woolston leave and find opportunities elsewhere.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like this reported decision is final.
Expect to see Woolston move on this summer, most likely to a lower league side.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 9/10
