Eddie Howe wants Dean Henderson to move to Newcastle United this summer according to the Mirror.
They claim that the Magpies are stepping up their interest in the Manchester United stopper, who is currently out of favour at Old Trafford.
The Toon boss reportedly sees Henderson as the ideal candidate to replace Martin Dubravka.
Henderson is eight years younger than Newcastle’s current number one, who has been at St James’ Park since 2018. He was signed by Rafa Benitez, first on loan then permanently.
Dubravka has been Newcastle’s main man in between the sticks ever since he joined the club. Only injury has kept him out of action. Sadly, he’s had a few fitness issues over the past couple of years.
And with Newcastle heading in a new direction going into the future, Howe wants a new goalkeeper for the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
Eddie Howe wanted Dean Henderson in January
This isn’t the first time Howe has tried to bring Henderson to St James’ Park. The Magpies tried to land him in January but failed to agree a deal.
There was even speculation that Dubravka could go in the opposite direction to Old Trafford, but he turned down the move.
While it’s probably unlikely that the Slovakian goes the other way this time, a Toon move for Henderson feels very possible.
The Mirror add that he’s rated at £20million, and will seek a move away from Manchester United unless Erik ten Hag makes him his number one over David de Gea.
Henderson had a nightmare against Newcastle in 2019
The 25-year-old has had a couple of seasons to forget at Old Trafford, unable to oust De Gea from the Red Devils’ starting XI.
That’s despite an excellent couple of years at Sheffield United on loan where he proved he had the ability to be England’s number one.
But while he was excellent at Bramall Lane, he did have a bit of a nightmare against Newcastle back in 2019.
Steve Bruce’s side took the lead through Allan Saint-Maximin, then doubled their advantage in the second half thanks to Jonjo Shelvey. However, the goal was highly contentious and infuriated Sheffield United fans.
The Toon midfielder raced through on goal after Andy Carroll’s flick on, but was flagged offside. However, the whistle didn’t go and Shelvey raced into the box and slotted the ball past a statuesque Henderson.
Sheffield United had stopped playing, but Shelvey’s decision to ignore the flag was vindicated. VAR ruled that he was onside, meaning the goal stood. Henderson and his Blades teammates were embarrassed.
But that was just one blip in an excellent season for Henderson. If he can do as well for Newcastle as he did for Sheffield United then we’ll have one hell of a player.
Howe seems very keen to sign a new goalkeeper, and it looks like Henderson is the number one candidate.
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