Newcastle United are ready to gain the upper hand over Barcelona in the race to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United in January.
According to a report from El Nacional, Dean Henderson has emerged as the latest target for Barcelona, as they scour the market for a new goalkeeper heading into the upcoming January transfer window. However, the Catalan giants face stiff competition from Newcastle United in the pursuit of the Manchester United outcast.
The Magpies are believed to be keen on bringing a new goalkeeper in January, as the new owners and manager Eddie Howe looks to shake things up. Henderson is their transfer priority, with the club prepared to meet his €20 million valuation and offer him a lucrative salary in an attempt to lure him to Tyneside.
Henderson himself is keen on leaving Old Trafford after failing to displace David de Gea as Manchester United’s number one ‘keeper this season. The Englishman has featured in only one competitive match so far, which came in the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham United.
His struggles at Old Trafford has put Newcastle on red alert, though Barcelona, too, have recently registered interest in the Manchester United goalkeeper.
Much like Newcastle, the Catalan giants are looking to make some changes to their goalkeeping department. While Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains a guaranteed starter, they are expected to offload Neto in January, as the Brazilian earns a hefty salary for a second-choice ‘keeper.
It was reported last month that West Ham are leading the race to sign Neto while the young Inaki Pena is also expected to move on in order to secure more game-time at the highest level. It paves the way for Barcelona to secure the services of Henderson, who is young and offers a lot of prospects for the future.
The Manchester United outcast might not be a guaranteed starter at Camp Nou, but he will be given opportunities in Copa Del Rey. Moreover, ter Stegen has endured a steady decline in recent years, and Xavi is open to moving on should the German continue his poor run of form.
However, as far as the transfer saga is concerned, Barcelona simply cannot financially compete with Newcastle United. The Magpies will also be able to offer a far more lucrative salary and, most importantly, the opportunity to become a guaranteed starter for the Premier League side, so it won’t be surprising to see the Manchester United stopper joining the Tyneside outfit this January.