Nottingham Forest are said to be at an “advanced stage” in negotiations for a deal to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The Reds are understood to be ‘increasingly confident’ of completing their first transfer of the summer, and Nottinghamshire Live understands the player is open to a move to the City Ground. He has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this summer but is looking likely to find a new temporary home in the East Midlands.
Sky Sports News have reported that Forest are ‘close to agreeing a deal’ that has an option to buy the goalkeeper for a fee of around £20 million.
It is also added that Man United are ‘expected to pay a portion’ of the player’s wages next season with Miltiadis Marinakis, son of owner Evangelos, said to have been ‘central’ to these negotiations.
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Providing an update this afternoon, however, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth explained a few changes in the detail of the deal, Tweeting: “Dean Henderson’s move from Manchester United to Nottingham Forest at advanced stage. In past hour, Sky Sports News told United want straight loan - no option. Forest pushing for option (to buy). Henderson still expected to be Forest player next season."
Newcastle United were said to be keen earlier this month but apparently cooled their interest in signing a goalkeeper in favour of adding to other areas of their squad. With the one-cap England international now firmly second-choice at Old Trafford again behind David de Gea, a move away in search of first-team football looks inevitable for Henderson.
Freelance journalist Will Unwin, who writes for the Guardian, is reporting Forest’s confidence in completing the transfer.
This signing so soon into the summer transfer window could perhaps pave the way for Brice Samba to leave the club with the goalkeeper not expected to sign a new contract. A return to France has been rumoured, with Ligue 1 side Lens said to have made a ‘ direct enquiry.’
