Celtic have joined Manchester United in the race to secure Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman’s signature as well as midfielder Sean longstaff, as per the Chronicle.
According to the news publication, the Scottish giants and the Premier League behemoth both had scouts keep close watch on the Magpies’ under-23 clash against Southampton, with Woodman understood to be one of the players at their focql point.
The highly rated keeper, who helped England’s under-20 side on the way to World Cup glory, meriting the golden glove award, has recorded just one senior appearance for Newcastle, and is contracted till 2019.
The report further stated that Celtic submitted a bid for the player back in January but he ended up joining Kilmarnock on loan instead.
Woodman is one of the best young showstoppers but his lack of game time in the first team at St James’ Park is hampering his growth.
His contract situation certainly hands power to the buying clubs, but if Celtic are going to challenge Manchester United they are facing what will probably end up being a losing battle.
However, what the Hoops have to their advantage is guaranteed first team football and a much quicker progression to help his chances of breaking into the first team for England.
Newcastle will no doubt want to keep their starlet on Tyneside with a new deal, but the clock is running out for Rafael Benitez.
