Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is being considered by Jose Mourinho as the long-term successor to Hugo Lloris, should the France international link-up with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.
Lloris’ future beyond this season remains uncertain with the 34-year-old out of contract in 2022 and the summer window representing the last opportunity Spurs will have to receive any value on the World Cup winner in the transfer market.
Pochettino’s expected arrival at PSG this month has also led to claims that the former Spurs manager wants to bring Lloris back to France and replace Keylor Navas with the France captain sure to be a popular choice among fans.
Should that occur, and Lloris call time on his eight years in north London, then Spurs are beginning to line up replacements with Henderson and Sam Johnstone of West Brom in their sights, according to The Sun.
Henderson remains No2 at Old Trafford despite David De Gea’s erratic form over the last two seasons but with the Spaniard contracted until 2023, he may have to move on for first-team football and regular England honours.
The 23-year-old is very much in Gareth Southgate’s long-term plans but until he becomes a Premier League regular the England manager can’t justify elevating his status beyond being a squad player.
Johnstone has impressed for struggling West Brom and leads the league for total saves (65). With the Baggies in genuine danger of returning to the Championship, the 27-year-old is one member of their squad likely to remain in the top-flight.
Like Lloris, he’ll have just 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of this season and would also be a considerably more affordable option than Henderson who signed a five-year contract last August, and United would be reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival.
Last month, former United right-back Gary Neville voiced concern over whether Henderson, who has made just two league starts this season, has the ability to be De Gea’s long-term successor.
“I think De Gea is the No.1 as Henderson has a lot to do in my mind," Neville told Viaplay Fotball.
“I’ve seen it before over the last 25 years where there have been young and talented goalkeepers who have threatened to come in but to stand in those goals at the club, in particular when fans come back into the stadium, then they are big, big boots to fill.
“For me, I think it’s exciting that Henderson is coming through but I reserve my judgement on whether he can become somebody who can go in Manchester United’s goal in the next 10 years.”
