Newcastle have intensified their interest in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Toon sources say boss Eddie Howe, who wanted Henderson on loan in January, sees the £20million-rated England international as the ideal successor to Newcastle No1 Martin Dubravka. Henderson, 25, is understood to be ready to seek a move unless incoming Old Trafford boss Erik Ten Hag guarantees that he will become the Red Devils’ first-choice keeper ahead of David de Gea.
Two impressive loans spells with Sheffield United in 2018-19 – when he helped the Blades win promotion to the Premier League – and the following season, led to Henderson earning his solitary England cap on his return to United. The Cumbrian came on at half-time in the 3-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley in November 2020.
But a hip injury forced Henderson to withdraw from England’s Euro 2020 squad only one game into last summer’s tournament. Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder, in charge at Sheffield United in Henderson’s time at Bramall Lane, has enquired about Newcastle’s second-choice keeper Karl Darlow, 31.
Henderson has endured one of the most difficult seasons of his career in a campaign that has been littered with injuries curtailing his development. The England international was tipped to dislodge David de Gea as United's number one this season but it has not materialised as planned.
Given De Gea's stellar form for the majority of this season, it is unlikely the Spaniard loses his status as United's first-choice goalkeeper anytime soon. The shot-stopper has been one of the few shining lights in an otherwise miserable campaign for the Red Devils.
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Whether Henderson would be tempted to try his luck under the incoming Ten Hag and see if he can train his way into the Dutchman's plans is unclear. The departing Ajax boss is thought to favour a 'keeper that is comfortable with the ball at his feet, something Henderson is certainly more assured at than De Gea.
Newcastle have now guaranteed their status in the Premier League and can look to bolster their squad to ensure Howe's side avoid flirting with relegation again next season. Henderson would undoubtedly sure things up at the back - a problem area for the club this campaign.
The Magpies have conceded 61 goals this term, an alarming amount that has seen them ship more than the likes of relegation-threatened sides like Everton and Burnley. It could be worth their while spending big on Henderson - a player that could remain between the sticks for them for years to come.
