Newcastle United are reportedly serious about their interest in Dean Henderson, despite Manchester United’s huge asking price.
According to the Sunday Mirror (h/t The Boot Room), Newcastle United are not deterred by the asking price set by Manchester United as they are serious about pursuing goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The shot-stopper has been stuck to a bench role this season and is angling for an exit from Old Trafford.
Newcastle United will switch their focus on transfer matters after their season is more or less over. They have nothing left to play for in the league, as the remaining two games could be a formality. The club have already started looking at potential targets and are desperately eyeing a new goalkeeper.
A shot-stopper is one of their priority targets as Eddie Howe seeks an upgrade on Martin Dubravka. While Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel emerged as a surprise target, Howe might be looking at a keeper with a younger age profile.
Their links with Dean Henderson are nothing new, as the Magpies have been chasing the Manchester United star since the January transfer window. After focusing on other areas in the winter, Newcastle have decided to push the keeper search until the summer.
Manchester United have reportedly slapped a £40 million price tag on the wantaway goalkeeper. While it is a massive fee for a player who has hardly played this season, Newcastle United are not deterred by the prospect of paying huge fees.
The Magpies are reportedly serious about their interest and could be prepared to meet Manchester United’s expectations. Henderson is keen to leave the club amid Newcastle’s interest, although it won’t be a simple transfer to conclude.
While there is no European football at St. James’ Park, Henderson may still get regular game-time in the Premier League with Newcastle United. Premier League’s newly-promoted sides Fulham and Bournemouth are also interested in Henderson, but the English goalkeeper may prefer a switch to Newcastle if he is to quit Manchester United.
While many at Manchester United believe Henderson could be a future asset, the player is frustrated by the lack of opportunities. He has barely had a sniff at ousting David de Gea from his position. After playing a significant role in the previous campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the shot-stopper sought regular opportunities.
But Henderson has been reduced to the ‘cup keeper’ status this season, only for Manchester United to crash out of domestic competitions pretty early in the season. He could only muster a single outing in the UEFA Champions League against Young Boys, where he got substituted after 68 minutes. Things have not gone all too well for the 25-year-old, who harbours ambitions to feature for England at the World Cup.
Whether Newcastle will give in to Manchester United’s demands or negotiate the price down for the player with a contract until 2025 remains the question. In any case, Henderson seems intent on leaving the club during the next window, as de Gea is guaranteed to stay at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future. And the Magpies are ready to step up their pursuit of the English ace.
