Freddie Woodman loan will be good for everyone if a new contract is signed first

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The Chronicle reports that two Championship sides are interested in a loan deal for Freddie Woodman, which could benefit all parties, but only if a new deal is signed at Newcastle first.

Woodman is entering the final year of his current contract, and wanted to go on loan last season, but any move away from St James’ Park was stopped by Rafa Benitez, as the England Under-21 international would not sign the new deal he was being offered.

According to the Chronicle’s report, the deal put to him was a “paltry” one, and if so, it is not surprising he turned it down.

But the result was a year in virtual limbo for the goalkeeper, with it in danger of stunting his development.

Of course, there has been talk of interest from both Celtic and Arsenal, with his dad being on the coaching staff at the latter, but Newcastle’s preference has always been for him to stay where he is for the long-term.

Newcastle would regret losing Woodman for free

Without a deal being signed, Woodman will be able to leave for free next summer, and if there is no breakthrough in the contract stalemate, Newcastle would be better off selling him now than getting nothing.

But the ideal scenario would be for the club to offer him terms worthy of a rising star who represents his country at younger levels, and for the player to sign it, before opting for the year-long loan that is likely to be available for him.

He has had plenty of game time this pre-season, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Steve Bruce wants the youngster as his number two keeper, and lets Karl Darlow – who has been the subject of rumoured interest from Leeds – leave instead.

But one thing is certain – losing a top prospect like Woodman for nothing, will be a mistake, and one that will come back to bite them in years to come.