The Sun claim Leeds United are battling both Rangers and Leicester City in the race to sign Preston North End stopper Freddie Woodman in a deal that could be worth a bargain £3.5m – but the Ibrox side are in pole position to sign him.
Woodman, 25, joined Preston from Newcastle on a permanent basis last summer. It comes after a number of loans away from the Toon – including two spells in Scotland with Aberdeen and Kilmarnock. Also, two seasons at Swansea.
At Preston, he has kept 14 clean sheets in 37 games this season – conceding 43 goals. Impressive stats in the second tier of English football. Such form is attracting interest. Leicester and Leeds are keeping tabs on the England U21 ace.
However, The Sun report that while the Premier League duo are keen, Rangers are pushing to land him for a fee of £3.5m. Allan McGregor could be set to retire at the end of the season. He will need replacing. Rangers want Woodman.
Leeds battling Rangers and Leicester in race to sign Preston’s Woodman
Which is Woodman’s best move? Preston look unlikely to gain promotion from the Championship any time soon. So, a move could tempt him. Leeds still have Illan Meslier in net and while he has been linked with an exit, it is unlikely.
Of course, that all changes if Leeds go down. Meslier could be tempted to go if the Whites are relegated. But, that is purely hypothetical. Leicester do need a goalkeeper – with Danny Ward the no.1. The Wales man has been criticised.
But Rangers need Woodman more than most. McGregor looks more than likely to retire come the summer and the Ibrox club need to bring in a new stopper. Ibrox scouts have been watching him and Woodman is a bargain at £3.5m.
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