Preston North End goalkeeper Freddie Woodman admits he does not have ‘a clue’ about reports speculation suggesting he could replace Allan McGregor at Rangers this summer.
With McGregor edging ever close to ‘free bus pass’ age, one of the main tasks on Mick Beale’ summer to-do list is to find a long-term replacement.
Woodman, 15 years McGregor’s junior, would tick plenty of boxes. He is young, highly-talented and boasts a proven track record in Scottish football. The former England U21 international enjoyed a couple of loan spells north of the border at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in his younger days.
But, when quizzed about a potential return to Scotland, Woodman admits that, while is his aware of the speculation, he has no idea if the rumours are true or not.
Rangers need a goalkeeper to replace Ibrox icon Allan McGregor
“I only got told the other day loosely by the manager (Ryan Lowe). He said something about Rangers or something like that. I didn’t have a clue. I try not to get involved in it,” Woodman tells the Yours Mine Away podcast.
“You know what it is like. There are so many things that have to fall in line for (a transfer) to actually happen.”
Only two goalkeepers in the Championship have more than Woodman’s 17 clean sheets this season; Luton Town’s Ethan Horvath and Coventry City’s Ben Wilson.
According to the Scottish Sun, Woodman is one of Beale’s leading targets heading into the summer, Rangers reportedly willing to stump up a fee in the region of £3.5 million.
But, after seeing a permanent switch to AFC Bournemouth collapse last summer, the one-time Newcastle United youngster is in no rush to put himself through the emotional wringer again. Especially not with Preston on the up under Lowe; a play-off spot still very much within reach for the Lilywhites.
“I got scarred from the Bournemouth one. I was dead certain I was going to Bournemouth,” Woodman adds.
“Now, I just try and focus on the here and now. If you take care of your business, all of that stuff (transfer interest) will come.
“I am happy at the minute. I am settled, happy off the pitch and happy on it. At the moment, I am pretty cool where I am.”
