Swansea City manager Steve Cooper has told the press that he would like to sign current Newcastle loanee Freddie Woodman on a permanent basis.
So far this season, the 22-year-old has clearly impressed his manager after playing every minute of the campaign and helping contribute to nine clean sheets this season.
The former U20 World Cup winner looks to have his work cut out for him at Newcastle considering that Martin Dubravka looks to be so established in the number one spot, so the club might struggle to hang onto him as he is unlikely to be wanting to be a number 2 at his age.
Bearing the previous in mind, this could be a good solution for the player as he is currently playing for a club who are knocking at the door of the Premier League, gaining invaluable experience at a very competitive and intense level.
His performances between the stick have meant that there has been talk of a permanent deal between the two sides – and Steve Cooper is not doing a lot to deny that he is anything other than interested.
Speaking to Wales Online, Cooper said: “We’d all love Freddie to stay for longer than the season.
“Whether that’s possible, we’ll have a look in the summer. I think he’d definitely like to.
“The affection the fans have shown Freddie, I think he really feels it and likes to show it back because it’s mutual.”
Would you be sad to see Woodman leave?
Yes, we need to hang onto our talented youngsters
Nope, he just isn't Dubravka
Time will tell...
According to reports from the Chronicle, the ‘keeper has just until 2021 remaining on his contract, and he has allegedly snubbed deals from the club over worries about playing time.
United really don’t want to lose such an exciting prospect, especially for minimal money, but it seems like they might have their hands tied. With just a year remaining on his deal once he returns to the North East, he will be the person in a position of power and if the club want to get any sort of money for him they would need to sell him then.
The other solutions: drop Dubravka and play him next year – a plan which not many fans will get behind given the form of the Slovakian, or just keep him on the bench next season against his will, which would be likely to just frustrate him once more.
It seems Steve Bruce’s team will have their hands tied in this one, and might only one viable option in selling him to the highest bidder in the summer.