First choice stopper Martin Dubravka is set to miss the start of the campaign after having surgery on an injured foot with Karl Darlow recovering from Covid-19.
That means Woodman – who spent the last two seasons on loan at Swansea City – could be in line to start the season, despite a number of reports linking him with potential exits from St. James’ Park in recent weeks.
And former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, once a bitter rival of the Magpies, has spoken about the current goalkeeping situation on Tyneside.
“Yeah, he could start, why not?” he told Football Insider.
“Once again Steve Bruce is having to deal with injuries on the eve of a new season.
“I feel sorry for him. He’s never moaned about those injuries, he just gets on with it.
“If Woodman is handed that big opportunity I’m sure he’ll take it.
“Whether he can remain the number one for the full season remains to be seen.
“He’s good enough to cope with the pressure, it’s amazing in football, you see scenarios like this all the time.
“Players get injured and a replacement comes in and they can be a superstar.
“It could be a big season for him. It will be good for the Newcastle fans to have a hometown boy there too.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League speculation below…
1. Clarets plot double raid
Burnley are eyeing a double transfer raid, with both former Everton winger Ademola Lookman and Lyon left-back Maxwell Cornet on their radar. The latter has been capped over 20 times for the Ivory Coast senior side, and could cost around £15m. (The Sun) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield
2. Spurs agree Romero deal
Reports from Italy suggest Spurs have agreed a £43m deal for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero. He's currently on a two-year loan deal from Juventus, but his current side can activate a clause to buy him and immediately sell him on. (Football Italia) (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images) Photo: Alexandre Schneider
3. Battle on for Saul Niguez
Man Utd and Liverpool have both been credited with an interest in Atletico Madrid's £35m-rated midfielder Saul, as his agent prepares to fly to England to drum up interest in his client. He won La Liga with his side last season. (The Mirror) (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) Photo: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
4. City eye Sterling deal
Man City are said to be confident of tying down Raheem Sterling down to a new deal, despite contract talks with England's Euro 2020 star stalling. He's said to be unfazed by the potential challenge of battling incoming £100m man Jack Grealish for a starting spot. (Daily Mail) (Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Paul Ellis - Pool