Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Freddie Woodman, the seasoned goalkeeper from Preston North End, on a free transfer. Woodman, who has made 22 appearances for the Championship side last season, is nearing the end of his contract, making him an attractive option for Liverpool.

With Vitezslav Jaros and Harvey Davies both set to be out on loan next season, Liverpool is in need of experienced backup for their primary goalkeepers, Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili, the latter of whom is expected to complete his transfer from Valencia on 1 July.

Woodman, who has previously played for Newcastle United, Kilmarnock, and Swansea City, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Notably, he was part of the England Under-20s squad that won the World Cup in 2017.

One of the key advantages of signing Woodman is that he meets the criteria for an 'association trained' player, meaning he won't occupy one of Liverpool's 17 non-homegrown slots on the Uefa squad list. This strategic move allows Liverpool to maintain flexibility in their squad composition.

Adding an interesting personal note, Woodman's father, Andrew Woodman, is the manager of League Two side Bromley, and his godfather is none other than former England coach Gareth Southgate.

This potential acquisition underscores Liverpool's commitment to strengthening their squad depth as they prepare for another competitive season in the Premier League.