Ankit Mishra
Eddie Howe insists Newcastle still not close to signing anybody amid Dean Henderson transfer links
Speaking in an interview as quoted by Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe insists the club is not close to signing anyone amid links with Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The 25-year-old star could leave the club this summer after not being able to make regular appearances for Man United. Unable to cement his spot with the Red Devils, he could potentially make a move to St James’ Park in order to get more minutes with the club.
After staying behind David de Gea in the pecking order, Henderson is keen to leave the club and wants to be a regular in the first team of another club next season. The interest from the Magpies is nothing new as they tried to swoop for the player on loan back in January but were denied by United.
Since then, Newcastle have remained keen on a move for the player and the interest could finally pay off this summer as United is finally ready to let go of the keeper.
The Magpies boss spoke in an interview on the status of the player’s potential transfer to Newcastle next summer. His answer was as diplomatic as one may have expected it to be.
“We’re not close to signing anybody at this moment at time, We’re not at any advanced stage with that. It’s very difficult for me to comment on individual players because I’d be giving you an answer on every target, but that’s far from the truth.”
Back up Keeper for United?
From the Red Devils’ perspective, it may come across as a loss to the squad in terms of depth. With Henderson’s potential exit, the Mancunian club will be left with David de Gea as their main keeper and Tom Heaton as their backup.
36-year-old Heaton may not be in his best shape and clearly, the squad will lack depth in that position. This will make things difficult for de Gea and he may as well have to prove himself under the new manager, Erik ten Hag.
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While ten Hag would look to bolster his squad for the next season, it remains to be seen if he will completely bank on de Gea or look for a backup keeper this summer. With Henderson’s contract not expiring until 2025, United won’t feel like there is any urgency to offload him.
Henderson is clearly struggling for playing time and at his age and with his ability, may well take his career to the next stage at a club where he can play more regularly- especially with the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
