Manchester United are looking to sign Preston North End shot-stopper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer this summer.

According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United are working hard to secure the services of Freddie Woodman. With the English goalkeeper’s contract running out, the Red Devils are plotting a surprise Bosman move for the former Newcastle United star.

Woodman came up the ranks at Crystal Palace before joining the Magpies in 2013. He got promoted to their first team in the summer of 2014 but could only make nine appearances for them over the next eight years as he was often out on loan.

He eventually left the Tyneside club to join Preston in the summer of 2022. The move has certainly helped his cause as he has established himself as a key figure in the Championship club and has been a consistent performer for them.

The 28-year-old has put in some impressive performances in goal this season. The Englishman has been involved in a total of 44 matches, and he has only let in 48 goals. Woodman has kept a total of 17 clean sheets and his consistent performances in the second division have put him on the radar of Manchester United.

Woodman could replace Heaton at United

The Red Devils are in search of a new third-choice goalkeeper, with Tom Heaton set to leave the club. Altay Bayindir could also be on his way out alongside the 38-year-old. Manchester United consider Woodman an ideal fit for the role, given his experience in the Championship and his ability to step in when required.

With a tight budget expected for the summer, securing Woodman on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Preston could prove to be a smart piece of business for Manchester United. They have already started working on a potential transfer as they are willing to offer the former English youth international a surprise move to Old Trafford.

Signing Woodman will not only give Ruben Amorim enough depth in goal, but it will also provide the Manchester-based giants a much-needed boost with regards to their homegrown quota as he was a part of the Crystal Palace and Newcastle United youth ranks back in the day.