Man Utd take ex-Newcastle and England keeper on trial

Ian Watson

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Paul Woolston is undergoing a trial with Manchester United.

Woolston, 20, left his hometown club in the summer with the Magpies’ goalkeeping ranks swelled by Martin Dubravka, Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman.

United are keen to recruit another stopper to provide cover and competition for their Under-23 side and Woolston was on the bench for the win at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Matej Kovar and Alex Fojticek, both 18, have been involved with the Red Devils’ second string this term, with Dean Henderson, Joel Pereira and Kieran O’Hara all out on season-long loans. Sergio Romero has also had a run-out as he returned to fitness after a knee injury but Jose Mourinho prefers to keep the Argentina international and summer signing Lee Grant with the first team.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United have been impressed with Woolston technically, but one of the reasons the former England youth international was released by Newcastle is said to be that he is not a physically-imposing stopper.

Woolston has already impressed during a trial with Cardiff after leaving St James’ Park.