Liverpool are on the verge of a surprise signing that has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of signing a player who was also on Manchester United’s radar.

The Premier League champions have already made high-profile additions this summer, including Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez. Other names such as Marc Guehi, Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres, and Alexander Isak have also been linked with potential moves to Anfield.

Now, in a surprise development, Liverpool are said to be close to securing another transfer. According to The Times journalist Paul Joyce, the club is nearing a deal to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End. Woodman is expected to serve as backup to Alisson and new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili, with goalkeepers Jakub Ojrzyński (Jaros) and Vitezslav Jaros heading out on loan to Ajax and Crawley Town respectively. Notably, Woodman qualifies as an Association Trained player, meaning he won’t count against Liverpool’s limit of 17 non-homegrown players in UEFA competitions.

Before this move to Liverpool materialized, Manchester United were also said to be monitoring Woodman. The Sun reported that United considered him as a potential third-choice goalkeeper, drawn to his homegrown status and solid Championship performances, which included 13 clean sheets in 37 matches last season. However, United ultimately chose to extend veteran Tom Heaton’s contract instead.

On Friday, United confirmed the new one-year deal for Heaton, noting that the academy product will enter his 20th professional season, having made his debut back in 2005 while on loan at Swindon Town.