Rangers are now scouting Freddie Woodman as Michael Beale starts to target a transfer for the Preston North End goalkeeper. The Ibrox manager is looking to replace Allan McGregor.
That is according to The Scottish Sun, which reports Gers scouts have eyed Woodman on several occasions this season. Rangers staff also attended Preston’s 0-0 draw with Coventry City this Tuesday as the 25-year-old registered his 14th clean sheet over 37 games this term.
Rangers are running the rule over Woodman as Beale begins to target transfers as he eyes a replacement for McGregor. The 41-year-old is out of contract in Glasgow this May and is set to leave Ibrox. So, Beale identified Woodman as one goalkeeper who fits his desired criteria.
Preston only signed Woodman from Newcastle United last summer but are willing to cash in on his form this season. The former England U21 international is among the highest earners at Deepdale and has a host of suitors. So, the Lilywhites have told suitors they would cash in.
The English Championship club have informed those keen on Woodman they will listen to all viable bids. Rangers aspire to test Preston’s resolve with a £3.5m offer for Woodman. Yet he can prove to be a tricky target for Beale with Leeds United and Leicester City also interested.
Michael Beale is leading Rangers’ interest in a £3.5m transfer for Preston star Freddie Woodman
Beale admires Woodman beyond just his form for Preston as the Rangers target has enjoyed loan transfers to Kilmarnock and Aberdeen previously. While only Ben Wilson of Coventry is on a higher number of clean sheets in the English Championship this season with 16 over 14.
Woodman has kept shut-outs in 14 of his 34 second-tier outings so far this term. He has also started and played the full 90 minutes in each game. While his loan spells with Swansea City for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns also showed his promising skills at saving penalties.
“It’s an excellent attribute to be saving penalties on a regular basis,” ex-coach Steve Cooper told the Swansea website. “It’s not luck – it’s something he works hard on. We love Freddie. He’s been brilliant for us and has shown his true worth this season, particularly this week.”
