Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has turned down a summer move to Leeds United, according to a new report which emerged on Wednesday morning.

The Lowdown: Leeds eye up Casilla replacement

Marcelo Bielsa is on the lookout for a second-choice goalkeeper this summer, following Kiko Casilla’s season-long loan move to Elche.

While Illan Meslier remains the clear first-choice between the sticks, having an able deputy is important, should the Frenchman get injured.

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The Latest: Woodman rejects Whites move

According to Football Insider, Newcastle stopper Woodman has turned down the opportunity to join Leeds, with the 24-year-old thought to be one of three targets between the sticks.

A Thorp Arch source has claimed the Whites intended to sign the Englishman on loan, with a view to making the move permanent further down the line.

Woodman’s desire to be first-choice somewhere appears to be the key reason behind him rejecting the switch.

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The Verdict: Would have been ideal

This is a setback for Leeds, with the £9million-rated Newcastle man a perfect backup to Meslier, having made 88 Championship appearances in his career, including playing every single league match for Swansea last season.

Granted, he has no Premier League experience as a starter, but he has played enough football to fill in for Meslier when, or if, required.

Leeds now need to move on, however, acquiring a similarly suitable second-choice option ahead of next season. As it stands, one injury to Meslier would leave the goalkeeping depth worryingly thin.

In other news, Leeds are interested in signing a Premier League ‘big six’ player this summer. Find out who it is here.