Leeds are looking for a new back-up goalkeeper after Kiko Casilla was sent to Elche on a loan-to-buy deal. Reports from the YEP claim that there are three targets, one of which is Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman. Ben Parker has backed a move, with a new report now saying a bid has been made.
Casilla, who turns 35 in October, has joined Elche with two years left to run on his contract. Elche have the option to make a deal permanent. It leaves Leeds with just Illan Meslier and rookie Elia Caprile as first-team options. Italian youngster Caprile is yet to make his first-team debut for Leeds.
The YEP report that Woodman is an option, having impressed on loan at Swansea for the last two seasons. The England Under-20 World Cup champion is joined on the list by Levante’s Dani Cardenas and Valerenga youngster Kristoffer Klaesson. But Woodman looks like the front runner.
Leeds transfer news: What does Parker think Woodman?
A report from The Chronicle now claims that while Celtic are keen, Leeds made a ‘cash offer’ to sign Woodman earlier this week. It is unclear how much Newcastle will want for him, but a previous Chronicle report says he is valued at £10million. Ben Parker gave his verdict on Woodman to LS11.
“I think we will sign a goalkeeper, we need too,” Parker told the lads on LS11. “Caprile is a good up-and-coming goalkeeper but he is young, he hasn’t been tested. The three goalkeepers have been branded about are also young. Woodman is the strongest name in terms of the rumour mill.
“I’ve watched him for Swansea a few times. He will play our way, Swansea like to play out from the back. I thought we might’ve gone for a goalkeeper with more experience, someone 30+ but if we go down that route, I’d be happy with Woodman. It’s that competition for places.”
