Southampton: Dean Henderson linked with move to Saints

With his contract set to expire next summer, Southampton have been linked with a move for Manchester United stopper Dean Henderson.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper has reportedly been stalling over signing a new deal at Old Trafford, alerting as many as 14 clubs from the Premier League, Championship and in Europe.

Henderson was the first-choice ‘keeper for the victorious England side in the Under-20 World Cup this past summer and his stock has only risen after helping his on-loan side Shrewsbury to an unbeaten start to the season in League One.

The six-foot-three stopper has been part of United’s set-up since 2011 but is in his final year of his current contract, meaning he could available for a cut-price deal in January or for free next summer.

But Southampton aren’t alone with their reported interest in the youngster, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Stoke City among the fellow Premier League teams keen on signing the goalie.

Elsewhere Wolves, Aston Villa, Udinese and Benfica are all monitoring Henderson’s situation, as he delays signing a new deal with the Red Devils.

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Shrewsbury have conceded just eight goals from 12 games in the league so far and have 30 points out of a maximum 36, leading to interest from the country’s elite.

Some people will remember that the a positive spell with the Shrews put England stopper Joe Hart on the map, as he joined Manchester City after three years with the Shropshire side.

For Southampton, Henderson will add depth to the ‘keeper spot and potentially add competition with Fraser Forster having featured in every game so far this season, despite a couple of questionable performances.

Stuart Taylor’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning there’s plenty of scope for the United man to become Southampton’s third-choice goalkeeper.