Dean Henderson set for Man Utd exit breakthrough, as Nottingham Forest negotiate option to buy

Manchester United are in talks to loan Dean Henderson to Nottingham Forest with a potential option to buy, according to a report.

The goalkeeper has had a mix of highs and lows during his time at Old Trafford, mostly struggling for game time. Following a standout loan at Sheffield United in the Premier League, he hoped for first-team Red Devils action.

That loan spell also helped him earn his only senior England cap to date. But despite getting some Man Utd chances in the 2020/21 season, David de Gea eventually kept his place.

Indeed, Man Utd first-choice goalkeeper De Gea was a standout player at Old Trafford last term.

Henderson now wants to get away and revive his career again. Newcastle were the frontrunners at one point, but they have reportedly moved onto other targets.

Nevertheless, The Guardian now reports that Nottingham Forest have stepped up interest in Henderson.

The newly-promoted Premier League side are getting ready to sell their first-choice stopper Brice Samba.

They want Henderson in as a replacement for the Congolese, having seen Henderson flourish in the Premier League for Sheffield United upon their return to the top flight.

But the newspaper adds that Forest’s deal for the 25-year-old could go one step further than the deal the Blades did for him.

Indeed, Forest are trying for a £20million option to buy Henderson at the end of next season.

Forest need new goalkeeper

The stopper played 36 of Sheffield United’s 38 Premier League games in the 2019/20 season. Back at Old Trafford the campaign after, he only played 13 times in the top flight.

But in the most recent term, Henderson did not make a single Premier League appearance for Man Utd.

He played once in each of the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup but could not shift De Gea in the league.

Henderson now wants to get away and he could become Samba’s instant replacement at the City Ground.

Samba is entering the final year of his contract and feels disappointed at Forest’s extension offer, having played a leading role in the club’s promotion.

He therefore wants to leave, meaning Forest are on alert for a new signing between the sticks.

Dean Henderson to Forest good for Man Utd too

Henderson needs to revive his career and a move to Forest would benefit both them and Man Utd.

He would become Forest’s first-choice goalkeeper and United would allow him to develop elsewhere.

While Forest would have the option to buy, the crucial aspect for United is that it would not be an obligation.

As such, they could still offer Henderson a first-team role and hope to convince the stopper to snub Forest’s advances.

For now, though, for Henderson it is just about getting back to Premier League football.