Nottingham Forest have opened discussions with Manchester United over a deal to bring goalkeeper Dean Henderson back to the City Ground.
United were reluctant to allow Henderson, who spent last season on loan at Forest, to leave Old Trafford until their own goalkeeper situation was resolved.
But following David de Gea’s departure and with United close to signing Andre Onana from Inter Milan, discussions for Henderson are now underway.
The Athletic reported on Sunday that United have agreed personal terms with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana and the clubs are very close to finalising his transfer fee.
Onana is set to sign a five-year contract and could fly to New York on Wednesday with Erik ten Hag’s squad for their pre-season tour if he completes his medical in time. He will join later if not.
Talks for Henderson are in their early stages, but Forest are hopeful of agreeing a deal for the 26-year-old.
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Henderson impressed during a loan spell with Forest last season, when he made 18 Premier League starts.
Forest are in the market for more than one keeper this summer, with fellow loanee Keylor Navas having returned to parent club Paris Saint-Germain. Forest could yet revive their interest in him, while they are also keen on Wolves’ Jose Sa.
Wayne Hennessey, the Wales international, is sidelined with a minor injury, with George Shelvey expected to play when Forest face Valencia in their second pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
Why do Forest want Henderson?
Analysis by Paul Taylor
There are numerous reasons why Forest have made signing Henderson a priority this summer. The club’s hierarchy are prepared to finance a deal to sign him permanently.
Forest conceded 68 goals last season, which is in the same ballpark as the three relegated sides Leicester City (68), Southampton (73) and Leeds United (78). But Henderson still kept six clean sheets in his 18 appearances, giving him a clean sheet rate of 33.3 per cent, which was still the sixth-best in the division.
Henderson also had some big shoes to fill at Forest, with Brice Samba having established himself as a popular figure during their surge to promotion via the play-offs before departing following a disagreement over a new contract at the City Ground.
Forest find themselves in a similar position for the second year running: needing to sign at least one ‘keeper if they are not to find themselves short of options.
But Henderson, who retains international ambitions of his own with England, again remains the most obvious and most exciting potential answer to their problems. This time, if they can strike a deal to secure his return, they will hope it will prove to be a long-term solution.
GO DEEPER
Forest are keen on a Henderson reunion after keeper made his mark at the City Ground
Why Onana would be perfect fit for United
Analysis by Matt Pyzdrowski
Onana is a player Ten Hag knows well. He was a regular at Ajax under the Dutchman and is well-versed in the manager’s approach.
The Cameroon international has an exceptional passing range, confidence with the ball at his feet, commands his box very well and is also an outstanding shot-stopper.
Those skills were on display during Inter’s run to the recent Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 against Manchester City. Even in defeat, the 27-year-old showcased his ability as a world-class goalkeeper.
While City were the team that everyone expected to dominate in possession and break down the opposition through the ability of their goalkeeper on the ball, it was actually Inter who caused the most problems thanks largely to Onana’s bravery building out from the back.
(Photo: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
