Lampard ‘frustrated’ as Man Utd make huge headway in contract talks

Manchester United have made a breakthrough in talks with Dean Henderson, which has left Chelsea boss Frank Lampard frustrated, claims a report.

Lampard had reportedly targeted the Sheffield United loanee as the man to replace the wobbly Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, Lampard has become “frustrated” in his attempts to lure Henderson from Manchester.

Football Insider reports that Lampard has hit a brick wall with United unwilling to sell to a top-four rival. In fact Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep the 23-year-old and “discussions are at an advanced stage following a breakthrough”.

United officials are trying to tie the England Under-21 man to a new long-term deal with his existing contract set to expire in 2022.

The outlet claim an agreement is “likely” for Henderson who has yet to play a senior game for United.

They also report that Henderson may “still go out on loan again next season” with David De Gea established as United’s number one.

Previous reports had claimed that Henderson, who has impressed for two seasons with the Blades, did not want to return as back-up for De Gea.

Henderson stance softens

However, the “breakthrough” in talks suggests his stance may well have softened.

Solskjaer has always defended De Gea and he has backed his number one in the last six weeks when his mistakes were under the microscope.

Asked if he had considered dropping him or taking him out of the firing line, the United boss said last month: “It did not cross my mind for one second. Not at all.

“To be a Man United goalkeeper, you have to have a strong mentality.

“David has a strong mentality and he has been here for so long.”

United also have Argentine Sergio Romero providing more cover in what could be a three-way fight for the number one jersey at Old Trafford next season.