Manchester United are willing to pay a sizeable portion of Dean Henderson's wages to ensure he can reignite his career on loan next season, according to reports.
Henderson, 25, has made a paltry three appearances in all competitions this campaign with David de Gea indisputably the No. 1 goalkeeper at Old Trafford. The England international had a brief spell as first choice under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but slipped back down the pecking order due to injury and a bout of coronavirus last summer.
While he is believed to have requested an exit during the January transfer window, no such move occurred and he remains languishing on Ralf Rangnick's bench. A departure this summer appears more likely and Red Devils chiefs are prepared to help Henderson secure the fresh opportunity he craves.
That is according to The Sun, which claims United are prepared to pay a chunk of the player's wages, which would otherwise prove a stumbling block for his suitors. Henderson earns £120,000 per week having signed a five-year contract in the summer of 2020 and club chiefs are said to be open to chipping in over half of this sum if he leaves on loan. The report adds Tony Coton, United's goalkeeper scout is searching for a new back-up for De Gea as well as a third-choice goalkeeper for next season.
This suggests Henderson is not part of United's plans and also raises questions over the futures of Tom Heaton and Lee Grant. However, there is some good news for the academy graduate as he has a number of admirers who would be keen to recruit him ahead of the next campaign.
Would it be a mistake for Manchester United to let Dean Henderson leave? Have your say in the comments...
Championship leaders Fulham have a long-term interest in Henderson and Bournemouth - who are also in a strong position in the second tier - could come calling if they are promoted. The likes of West Ham, Middlesbrough and Newcastle have also been linked with the Cumbria native, who previously excelled during two seasons on loan at Sheffield United. Should Henderson perform well while on loan, United would be able to demand a significant transfer fee to make the move permanent.
However, in the meantime, they may need to compromise by forking out a sum in the region of £60,000 per week to facilitate the initial loan. De Gea, meanwhile, has made 40 appearances in all competitions this term and has just over one year remaining on the contract he signed in 2019, although there is the option to extend this for another season.
