As per one of the latest reports by Daily Star, Aston Villa are keeping close tabs on Manchester United goalkeeper, Dean Henderson. Along with the Villans, Arsenal are also believed to have put Henderson on their radar and are keen to lure him to the Emirates Stadium in the summer as Petr Cech and David Ospina’s form have been questionable this season.
Henderson emerged through the youth ranks of Carlisle United and Manchester United and in 2016, he got his first call-up to the senior side of the Red Devils. But he hardly got any look-in and was shipped out on loan to Stockport County and Grimsby Town before securing a loan move to Shrewsbury Town during the summer transfer window of 2017.
The Salop have been pretty stupendous this season in League One and are in the race for promotion to the Championship. In 40 league games so far this campaign, they have collected 81 points and are placed at the 2nd spot in the League One table. Henderson has really impressed for the promotion-chasers and no wonder he is monitored by the Lions.
Henderson is yet to make a first-team appearance for Manchester United, with his current contract with his parent club entering its final months. Owing to the availability of David De Gea, Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira in the books of Jose Mourinho, it is hard to imagine him coming anywhere near to Manchester United’s starting line-up in the near future and thus, he might be tempted to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
The 21-year-old is undoubtedly a talented goalkeeper but at this stage of his career, he must be keen to acquire regular game time under his belt. Steve Bruce’s side are likely to make it to the playoffs of the Championship this season and irrespective of whether they get promoted to the Premier League or not, the goalkeeping position is one of the areas they would aim to strengthen during the summer transfer window.
Sam Johnstone’s loan spell is set to expire at the end of the season and there is a big question mark over his future at the Villa Park, as West Ham United are reportedly interested to rope him into their ranks. Besides, Jed Steer and Mark Bunn have flattered to deceive in the opportunities they received. Although acquiring Johnstone permanently should be prioritized but signing Henderson for free would also be a canny move by Aston Villa.
Stats Courtesy: Squawka
