Woodman was due to join Bournemouth in the summer, only for Steve Bruce to block the deal with Martin Dubravka sidelined following foot surgery and Karl Darlow struggling with the after-effects of Covid-19. Bruce ended up taking the “unprecedented” step of naming four goalkeepers in his 25-man Premier League squad.
Howe needs to make room in that squad for one or more arrivals in next month’s transfer window, and 24-year-old Woodman – who started the season between the posts – could belatedly be loaned out.
"In terms of the goalkeepers, we've got a really talented group of keepers,” said United’s head coach. "It was unfortunate that both the experienced goalkeepers were injured, and it probably meant that opportunities for one of the younger guys to go on loan was then potentially stopped.
"That’s something we will evaluate in January, because we don't want to harm anyone's development."
5. Rovers face 'massive fight' over Brereton Diaz
Blackburn Rovers face a “massive fight” in their bid to keep hold of Leeds United and Newcastle United target Ben Brereton Diaz. (Dean Jones) (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Photo: Lewis Storey
6. Brighton eye Polish starlet
Brighton have set their sights on Pogoń Szczecin’s Kacper Kozłowski. The 18-year-old plays as a central midfielder. (WP SportoweFakty) (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
7. Tavernier reacts to Leeds interest
Marcus Tavernier has been made aware of interest from Leeds United but the winger says he wants to play Premier League football with Middlesbrough instead (Teesside Live) (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) Photo: Nigel Roddis
8. Toon make contact for Dembele
Newcastle United have enquired about Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele. (Fabrizio Romano - FIVE YouTube channel) (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Photo: Aitor Alcalde