Freddie Woodman in contract talks at Newcastle United ahead of new loan move

The Newcastle United goalkeeper impressed on loan at the Championship club last season – and manager Steve Cooper wants him back at the Liberty Stadium.

Steve Bruce – who has signed goalkeeper Mark Gillespie as a free agent last month following his release from Motherwell – spoke about loaning out highly-rated Woodman, linked with a move to Celtic this summer, again late last season.

“He’s playing, and it’s important for his career too that he’s playing regularly,” said United’s head coach.

“We’ve taken up the option on him, and in an ideal world we let him back out on loan again. That’s probably where we’re at.”

Woodman – who missed the Championship play-offs due to a hip injury – is keen to return to Swansea, and the 23-year-old will be allowed out on loan again if he signs an extension to his Newcastle contract, which is due to expire next summer.

Speaking to reporters in South Wales last month, Cooper said: "He loves it down here. I’ve said it before and he’s said it. He’d love to be here next year, I’d love to have him here.

“He’s performed really well, and I think we’ve been good for him as well. In terms of goalkeeping, I'd love nothing more than Freddie to be with us next season. If that can happen, which is very possible, then I think we’ll all continue to benefit from that, especially the football club.

"Steve Bruce has said he needs to go back out on loan. Freddie’s keen to stay, he’s made that noise.

"I’m happy to say I want to keep him. Let’s just see if we can put the jigsaw together and see him again."

Gillespie, meanwhile, was signed as a replacement for Rob Elliot, who was released by United this summer.

"It's an unbelievable feeling for me to sign for Newcastle," said the 28-year-old, who was let go by Newcastle as a teenager.

"Being a supporter all my life, and to be released at 16, was disappointing, but I have gone away, worked hard – and now I'm back."