Manchester United
Premier League • England
Four GK deals close with one in, one out at Man Utd; Newcastle, West Ham nearing Pope, Areola coups
As many as four goalkeepers could have deals wrapped up in the coming days with new arrivals close at Man Utd, West Ham and Newcastle, per a trusted source.
That comes from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with the goalkeeping position set to take centre stage in the coming days.
Firstly, Newcastle have all but wrapped up a deal for Burnley ace Nick Pope. The 30-year-old was once again the Clarets’ top performer last season, though his one-man heroics weren’t enough to help stave off relegation.
With a World Cup on the horizon, Pope must play regular Premier League football to retain his place in England’s set-up and Newcastle emerged as the primary contender to give him the opportunity.
The Telegraph reported a fee has been struck somewhere in the region of £8m-£10m. Romano recently tweeted the stopper has passed his medical and will sign a four-year deal running until 2026.
Pope is poised to assume the No 1 role with Martin Dubravka relegated to chief back-up. Freddie Woodman has already joined Preston North End on a permanent basis, leaving Karl Darlow as the No 3 at present.
Elsewhere, Romano claimed West Ham are finally making strides forward on an Alphonse Areola deal.
The Frenchman spent last season on loan with the Hammers from PSG. The 29-year-old impressed in the cup competitions and is viewed as the natural successor to Lukasz Fabianski.
Romano reported an agreement is edging closer and the player is now giving positive signals over the move coming to fruition. A deal is expected to cost around £10.3m.
One in, one out at Old Trafford?
Finally, the goalkeeper merry-go-round is likely to see two moves made at Manchester United.
Dean Henderson’s loan switch to Nottingham Forest was labelled a ‘matter of time’ by the transfer specialist.
There had been talk of an option to buy worth around £20m being included. However, Goal stated the structure of the proposed switch is now just a straight one-year loan.
Romano added his replacement is likely to be Watford’s Daniel Bachmann, who like Pope, is looking for a move back into the top flight from relegated Watford.
The Austrian is reportedly the subject of ongoing talks between the Hornets and Red Devils. The 27-year-old is expected to cost no more than £4m and would compete with Tom Heaton to become David de Gea’s main understudy.
Man Utd hedging their bets with Henderson
The absence of an option to buy suggests Man Utd still see a future for Henderson at Old Trafford.
De Gea’s return to his fantastic best last year proved there is plenty of life left in the Spaniard yet. But at 31 and already one of the club’s highest earners, the 25-year-old Henderson represents a readymade replacement the club won’t part easily with.
Should Henderson impress out on loan – as he previously did with Sheffield Utd – Man Utd will have a decision to make next summer.
Manchester United bid again for De Jong and Henderson going on loan
Manchester United bid again for Frenkie De Jong and Dean Henderson looks set for Nottingham Forest loan
His current deal at Old Trafford runs until 2025. In contrast, De Gea’s expires next summer, though the club hold an option for a further 12 months.
If Henderson excels with Forest, expect the goalkeeping situation to come under the microscope once again this time next year.