Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson in Tyneside for talks regarding a move to Newcastle United in the summer
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is closing in on a move to Newcastle United ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, as the player looks to depart his boyhood club in search of more game time.
The Englishman has had to settle for a place on the bench this season, with David de Gea taking up the place between the sticks for United. Henderson has had to make do with appearances in the League Cup and FA Cup, while de Gea is the No.1 for Premier League and Champions League games.
Last season saw the academy graduate briefly replace de Gea in front of goal, but the Spaniard has reclaimed his position this season. Henderson has had to watch the 31-year-old shine for the team during the current campaign, with de Gea pulling off wonder saves to keep his side in games.
de Gea does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon, leaving Henderson very few opportunities to take over as the first-choice keeper in the near future. With the club failing to progress far in cup competitions, the 25-year-old has barely featured for the Manchester side.
Renewed interest from Newcastle
Newcastle could offer him a lifeline in the summer, with the Magpies keen to secure his signature. The player was in Newcastle for talks yesterday and is closing in on a possible transfer. This will see the Tyneside club finally get their man, after trying to sign him on a swap deal involving Martin Dubravka on deadline day of the winter transfer window.
However, the transfer failed to take place when Dubravka snubbed an Old Trafford move. After trying to sign him on loan in January, it is said that the player and Newcastle have held discussions over a season-long loan. That said, a permanent transfer has not been ruled out.
Henderson is clearly talented and has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League, as was evident during his loan spell at Sheffield United. The England international was the standout player for the club as they punched above their weight and made the most of their promotion to the top flight.
For a player like that, it is sure to be frustrating if they are kept on the bench and enough chances are not provided. It certainly is a dilemma with what to do regarding the academy graduate, as selling him would be a big blow, whereas keeping him is a waste of his talents.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United target and PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo speaks out about his future ahead of the summer
- Manchester United in talks with Ajax Amsterdam over transfer of defender Jurrien Timber in summer
- Manchester United to battle Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to sign £68m-rated Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Interestingly, Ajax Amsterdam were interested in taking Henderson on loan in January, when incoming new United manager Erik ten Hag was still in charge of the Dutch side. However, he now appears to have decided to retain de Gea as his first-choice goalkeeper, which will disappoint Henderson.
With a move to Newcastle nearing, it will be curious to see if the Magpies settle on whether to take the player on loan or on a permanent transfer. The Red Devils will hope that it is a loan deal, although it remains to be seen how much longer the Manchester side can hold on to their player with de Gea still in the midst.
