FREDDIE WOODMAN looks to have played his final game for Newcastle United, with Preston close to agreeing a deal that could pave the way for the goalkeeper’s permanent departure from St James’ Park.

Woodman is set to move to Deepdale on an initial season-long loan, having spent the second half of last term on loan at Bournemouth.

However, unlike his switch to the south coast, the 25-year-old’s proposed loan to Preston will contain a clause enabling the Championship club to convert his temporary move into a permanent transfer at the end of the next season.

Newcastle’s willingness to agree to such a clause effectively marks the end of the line for Woodman when it comes to attempting to force his way into the Magpies’ first team.

Having initially moved to Tyneside from Crystal Palace in 2013, Woodman made his Magpies debut in a 2018 FA Cup win over Luton.

He started the first four league games of last season, but found himself dropped back down to third choice when Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow returned from injury.

He is set to become to the second Newcastle player to leave on loan this summer, with a view to a permanent deal in 12 months’ time, with Isaac Hayden having joined Norwich on a similar basis earlier this week.