Newcastle 'closing in' on move for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson

Newcastle are reportedly closing in on a move for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Eddie Howe wanted to sign Henderson, 25, on loan in January and could now sanction a move for the £20million-valued stopper, who is viewed as the ideal successor to Martin Dubravka.

Henderson had ambitions to become the Old Trafford No 1 but the excellent from of David de Gea this season has severely restricted his game time.

It appears the highly-rated goalkeeper's future lies away from United, with the Manchester Evening News reporting Henderson was in Newcastle for talks on Wednesday.

According to the MEN, discussions have taken place over a season-long loan but a permanent deal is also being considered.

The England international has played in just three first-team matches this season and it is uncertain incoming manager Erik ten Hag would play him ahead of De Gea.

Newcastle are expected to be busy in this summer's transfer window after their £305million takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in October.

Henderson enjoyed two successful seasons on loan at Sheffield United before featuring 26 times during the 2020-21 campaign as then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave him opportunities.

That led to his one and only senior England cap against the Republic of Ireland in November 2020.

But a hip injury saw him withdraw from England's Euro 2020 squad last summer and he also suffered a bout of Covid-19 back in August, allowing De Gea to reassert himself as No 1.

Ten Hag does favour a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, which means Henderson could be chosen over De Gea.

But the Spaniard's shot-stopping abilities are pretty much unrivalled and he has been a rare positive in a hugely disappointing season for United.