Southampton reportedly add Newcastle goalkeeper to transfer shortlist

Southampton are reportedly competing with Celtic to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in this summer’s transfer window.

According to a report from Chronicle Live, Saints and the Hoops could benefit with Woodman unlikely to return to the first-team fold at St James’ Park after his 2020/21 loan spell with Swansea City.

Woodman officially became a Newcastle senior player back in 2014 but has made just four first-team appearances for the Magpies after spending six separate loan spells away from the club.

He really found some superb form with Swansea in the past season though and looks to be close to becoming a Premier League player. 45 Championship games returned 20 clean sheets for the 24-year-old during last term.

Many goalkeeping links suggests a goalkeeping change for Southampton

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Ralph Hasenhuttl effectively had two first-choice goalkeepers last season. Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster competed for a starting place and both got a decent amount of minutes to impress their boss.

In reflection, neither player really seized their chance to claim the number 1 jersey outright. McCarthy improved with the ball at his feet and played an important role in some big wins but was still error prone, whilst Forster seemed more confident and dominant than his previous performances at the club.

A couple of shaky displays at the end of the season may have seen McCarthy overtaken by his 6ft 7in teammate ahead of next season, but Saints’ goalkeeping situation is less than certain overall.

Angus Gunn will also spend pre-season back at the club after a loan spell with Stoke City, although he could well be on his way if Saints get an offer for his services. Links have also been made to impressive young West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths and Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha.

Saints developed both Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster to be comfortable in helping possession build-up from defence in 2020/21 but continued new names suggested as transfer targets may mean a significant shake-up in the off-season.