Newcastle United are reportedly now an option for Dean Henderson in the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Fallen away
The 24-year-old has fallen away a little bit since his remarkable loan spell at Sheffield United, where he managed to keep 13 clean sheets and conceded just 33 goals in the 2019/20 Premier League as the Blades finished a respectable ninth for a newly-promoted team (Sky Sports).
St James’ Park legend Alan Shearer included him in his Premier League Team of the Season so far back in April 2020, even going as far as to claim that the ‘keeper is a ‘star in the making’ (Yorkshire Live).
However, Henderson has been used sporadically by Manchester United ever since his return, with just one game played so far this season (one year on from his senior debut under Gareth Southgate.
The Latest: Newcastle option
As per The Daily Mail, Newcastle are now understood to be ‘one of the options’ for Henderson in January, as he reportedly wants to leave the Red Devils at the end of the campaign if he cannot nudge David de Gea out of the number one spot between the posts.
The goalkeeper ‘would consider’ leaving in the winter window, but it is ‘unlikely’ that the Old Trafford club would allow him to depart midway through the season.
The Verdict: Do not prioritise
There is no doubt that Henderson could be a good option for the Magpies, as he will be hungry to rekindle his career and get back into the England squad, with former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho citing an ‘arrogance’ in him back in June.
Nonetheless, at 24 years of age, Henderson has the potential to be Newcastle’s main goalkeeper for years to come, providing that they can agree a reasonable transfer fee.
However, the Tyneside outfit already have Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman at their disposal, so signing another ‘keeper should not be a priority, unless one or more of their current options were to leave.
In other news, Newcastle are ‘leading the chase’ to sign this Premier League midfielder