Alan Hutton believes Celtic should use Newcastle’s interest in Kristoffer Ajer in order to secure a deal for goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Reports earlier this month had suggested that the Hoops were interested in the former England Under 21 international, along with Southampton and Arsenal. Hutton thinks an exchange involving the two players could be worked out:

“You would like to think there’s a deal to be done that can help both sides. Celtic will want money as well. If a deal for Woodman could be arranged it would soften the blow for everyone.”

Woodman is coming off the back of a good loan spell with Swansea City, where he helped the Welsh club reach the English Championship playoff final. The 24-year-old also has experience of playing in Scottish football, having previously had loan spells at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.

Prospective new head coach Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly want to give Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain the chance to impress, but after failing to perform for previous managers, signing a new number one is likely to become a priority. Woodman could well fit the bill.