By Wayne Veysey

14th Jul, 2021 | 9:44am

Sources: Newcastle star Woodman rejects Leeds United move

Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has rejected a move to Leeds United, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.

The 24-year-old is reportedly one of three Leeds keeper targets as they look to secure cover and competition for Illan Meslier.

A Leeds source has told Football Insider that the club have made a move to sign Woodman on loan with a view to a permanent move.

But the Newcastle star has knocked back their approach as he does not want to play second fiddle for the season to Meslier.

It remains to be seen whether United will return with a new offer for £10million-valued Woodman in which they would like to sign him permanently from the north-east giants.

But the former England Under-21 star’s desire to be a number one rather than back-up makes a deal unlikely.

Leeds are among a cluster of clubs keen on signing Woodman amid doubts over his Newcastle future.

He is behind Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow in the pecking order at St James’ Park, where the goalkeeper roster is well stocked.

But the younger man has long been regarded as a stellar talent and has made immense progress during two seasons on loan at Swansea.

He has a Newcastle contract that runs until 2023, so another loan deal – to a club where he would be the first choice – is considered highly possible.

At Leeds, Meslier has firmly established himself as the number one since breaking into the team in the final months of the Championship-winning 2019-20 season.

He had an extremely impressive campaign in the Premier League and that was key to Kiko Casilla deciding to join Elche on loan next season.

In other news, four Leeds United transfers are on the cards after Marcelo Bielsa green lights deals.