Newcastle United have increased their pursuit of Man United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
According to Toon sources, manager Eddie Howe, who wanted Henderson on loan in January, sees Henderson as the ideal successor to Newcastle No. 1 Martin Dubravka. Henderson, 25, is expected to seek a transfer unless incoming Old Trafford manager Erik Ten Hag guarantees that he will be the Man Utd’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of David de Gea.
Henderson earned his lone England cap on his return to United after two impressive loan spells with Sheffield United in 2018-19, when he helped the Blades win promotion to the Premier League. In November 2020, the Cumbrian came on at halftime in a 3-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium.
However, a hip injury forced Henderson to withdraw from England’s Euro 2020 squad just one game into the tournament last summer. Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder, who was in charge of Sheffield United during Henderson’s time there, has made an enquiry about Newcastle’s second-choice goalie Karl Darlow, 31.
Henderson has had one of the most difficult seasons of his career, plagued by injuries that have hampered his development. The England international was expected to dethrone David de Gea as United’s number one this season, but that has not happened.
Considering De Gea’s outstanding play for the majority of the season, the Spaniard is unlikely to lose his place as United’s first-choice goalkeeper anytime in the near future. The shot-stopper has always been one of few bright spots in an otherwise dreadful season for the Red Devils.
It’s unclear whether Henderson would be tempted to try his luck under the new Ten Hag and see if he could indeed train his way into the Dutchman’s plans. The due to leave Ajax manager is said to prefer a goalkeeper who is at ease with the ball at his feet, something Henderson is far more comfortable with than De Gea.
