'Newcastle are favourites to get him': Journalist claims Magpies in pole position for 'insane' £40m player

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United are “favourites” to sign Manchester United’s Dean Henderson, according to Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies have been linked with the 25-year-old in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, the Manchester Evening News claimed Henderson was closing in on a move to Newcastle.

However, Magpies boss Eddie Howe played down the speculation ahead of his side’s meeting with Burnley.

He told Chronicle Live: “We’re not close to signing anyone at this moment in time. That’s far from the truth.”

Fabrizio Romano subsequently claimed Newcastle want Henderson, though a deal still seems a way away.

“Dean Henderson is a player they want, but they are not paying £40million for him,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE.

“I think loan could be an option, but they will discuss in the coming weeks.

“It’s still not close, but Dean Henderson is a player they have on their list.”

More recently, The Sun claimed Newcastle are exploring a potential swap deal with the Red Devils.

Henderson could potentially join the Magpies on loan, while Karl Darlow would go the other way.

Little game time at Old Trafford

Henderson has made just three first-team appearances for Manchester United, and none in the league.

The former Sheffield United loanee reportedly spoke to Newcastle over a January loan move to St James’ Park.

However, the deal collapsed, and he remained as David De Gea’s understudy.

Now, O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport that he feels Newcastle are in pole position for Henderson.

But if it’s on a loan basis, the journalist reckons the Magpies could face more competition for the keeper.

“It all depends on whether Manchester United decide to sell him or loan him out,” O’Rourke wrote on GiveMeSport.

“I think if he becomes available for a loan, it’ll be more than just Newcastle who would be interested in Dean Henderson.

“But right now you would say that Newcastle are favourites to get him.”

“He’s awesome”

Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge lauded Henderson in an interview with Norwegian outlet VG last year.

“He’s insane,” he said of his now-former Blades teammate in an interview translated by Examiner Live.

“I’ve never been with such a good goalkeeper. One thing in matches, he is almost a defence alone at times, and you feel so secure with him.

“But people have to see him at training. It’s crazy. He saves balls from one yard.

“Sometimes I am completely speechless by how good he is. It’s like having two goalkeepers in goal with him.

“He’s awesome.”