Freddie Woodman is confident Bournemouth Scott Parker could aid his development, according to The Athletic.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
The goalkeeper looks set for a run in the Newcastle first-team amid problems with both Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow ahead of the new season. That – as long as it’s been for the 24-year-old – is a rarity after a career on Tyneside so far to have been dominated by spells out on loan.
Still, the England U21 star was thought to have been close to a move down to the south coast prior to the goalkeeping crisis at St James’ Park and the Championship outfit are believed to be keen over the prospect of resurrecting the deal.
During his talks with Bournemouth, Woodman is understood to have been impressed with the plans laid out to him.
How well did Woodman play in the Championship last season?
According to FBREF data, Woodman amassed the ninth-highest save percentage (72.7%) in the Championship last season during what was his second consecutive loan spell at the Liberty Stadium. That, coupled with the fact he also boasted the sixth-highest clean sheet percentage (44.4%), is indicative of a promising young goalkeeper capable of excelling in the second tier, so it’s easy to see why Bournemouth might well be keen after allowing Asmir Begovic to leave for Everton.
Clearly, he is one for the future and, ideally, another loan spell would have been a good way of keeping him happy and Bournemouth would represent a good team to go too, considering how close they were to promotion last time out.
What has Steve Bruce said about Woodman?
After the original deal collapsed, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce did admit he would understand if Woodman was frustrated at the situation.
“I understand Freddie will be a little disappointed but I’ve got to do what’s best for Newcastle,” he said (via The Athletic).
“The club comes first.”
