Sheffield United have reportedly learned Dean Henderson’s ‘price-tag’ amid suggestions Manchester United want to set up a summer auction for the on-loan keeper. The England Under-21 stopper signed a new contract at Old Trafford this summer before being allowed to embark on a second season-long loan at Bramall Lane.
But that was before current Red Devils number one David de Gea extended his own stay in Manchester and with the Spaniard now committed until 2023 the time could be nearing for Henderson to move on.
The Blades would be at the front of the queue for his services with Henderson clearly happy in South Yorkshire and beloved by the fans and his team-mates.
Another loan deal suited all parties ahead of this season because Chris Wilder’s men needed to establish themselves as here to stay in the Premier League before tempting a player with clear international ambitions to sign up for a long-term stay.
Reports over the weekend claimed United have decided on a £20million asking price for Henderson and will look to capitalise on his higher profile this year.
Those who watched him in Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool will feel that price is unrealistic as he fumbled Georginio Wijnaldum’s long-range effort through his legs to gift the winning goal to the visitors.
Henderson’s handling hiccup was galling for Wilder and the manager did not mince his words when he spoke about the goalkeeper needing to “do better” if he wants to play for “top teams”.
The Blades boss said: “If he wants to play for the top teams, he wants to play for England, then he needs to do better. He needs to concentrate more. It’s a disappointing day for him, I am not going to put my arms around him. Simply, he needs to do better.”
That would suggest Wilder is aware of growing interest from elsewhere in the Premier League in the 22-year-old from Whitehaven.
