Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'in hunt for new goalkeeper'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 17 June 2022

Manchester United are reportedly assessing the market for available goalkeepers as Dean Henderson moves closer to an exit from Old Trafford.

Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

On the back of only finishing in sixth position in the Premier League standings, newly-appointed boss Erik ten Hag is attempting to bring in numerous fresh faces before the start of 2022-23.

If reports are to be believed, fresh additions at centre-back, central midfield and in attack are the priority, but United also have issues to resolve between the sticks.

Earlier this week, it was claimed that Dean Henderson was moving closer to signing for Nottingham Forest after failing to dislodge David de Gea as number one at Old Trafford.

The initial switch is expected to be a season-long loan, with the two clubs continuing to hold discussions regarding a fee for a permanent move in the future.

Manchester United's Dean Henderson pictured on December 8, 2021 © Reuters

However, in the short term at very least, United must decide how to replace the England international, Manchester Evening News saying that a number of options are on the table.

The report claims that Ten Hag is not against promoting veteran stopper Tom Heaton into the role of deputy to De Gea having spent the last campaign behind Henderson.

Since returning to the club where he was part of the academy setup, the 36-year-old has only made one substitute outing, that appearance coming in a Champions League dead-rubber.

Whether Heaton is promoted up the pecking order will allegedly depend on which alternatives are available and offer value for money.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow pictured in October 2020 © Reuters

At the end of last month, Newcastle United stopper Karl Darlow was linked with a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams, and that remains a possibility with the Englishman potentially dropping down to third choice at St James' Park.

Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann is also said to be on United's shortlist, although the Austria international would be giving up regular action at Vicarage Road.

United's goalkeeping ranks have already been slightly depleted due to the retirement of Lee Grant, but two prospects are waiting in the wings should they be required.

At least one of Nathan Bishop and Matej Kovar will go out on loan for 2022-23, the former having started 49 League Two fixtures for Mansfield during the most recent campaign.

Kovar, a Czech Republic Under-21 international, impressed for League One outfit Burton Albion during the closing weeks of the season.