Deal off as Ten Hag aborts Man Utd transfer, but second move now ‘likely’
Erik ten Hag has put his foot down regarding a Man Utd transfer that will no longer take place, though a second deal is ramping up, per a report.
The goalkeeping department has come under the microscope at Old Trafford so far this summer. Indeed, David de Gea has left as a free agent and been replaced by Andre Onana. A former Man Utd treble winner recently scolded Ten Hag for what he believes is a transfer downgrade, and explained why Onana could soon be exposed.
Elsewhere, back-ups Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton have both been linked with leaving the club too.
Regarding Heaton, the Telegraph previously reported Man Utd had knocked back a proposal from newly-promoted Luton Town.
Luton’s No 1 last season was Ethan Horvath who has since returned to Nottingham Forest upon expiry of his loan.
However, the Daily Mail recently stated Luton hadn’t given up hope of signing Heaton who is understood to be angling for regular game-time next season.
Common sense dictates United would only let Heaton and Henderson go if signing adequate replacements.
To that end, the Red Devils have been linked with Turkey international Altay Bayindir and saw a £5m bid for Zion Suzuki of Urawa Red Diamonds rejected.
The 20-year-old wants to play regularly next season to ensure he’s included in Japan’s squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Moving to Man Utd and serving as Onana’s back-up would torpedo those international ambitions.
Now, a fresh update from talkSPORT has revealed Henderson remains on course to leave and his exit is labelled ‘likely’, but Heaton is going nowhere.
Ten Hag kiboshes Heaton exit
They stated Heaton is ‘set to stay at Manchester United’ thanks entirely to Ten Hag.
The Dutchman is ‘keen’ to retain Heaton’s services and was labelled ‘reluctant’ to sever ties by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
Elsewhere, Henderson is termed ‘likely’ to depart, with a return to Nottingham Forest continuing to bubble away behind the scenes. Henderson impressed while loaned to Steve Cooper’s side last term.
Forest are exploring both the permanent or loan to buy routes. If Henderson does leave United for good this summer he’s expected to fetch between £20m-£25m.
United will push to sign a replacement for Henderson, though per talkSPORT , it could be Heaton who is installed as Onana’s primary back-up.
Henderson leaving would see Heaton move up from third to second in the pecking order and it could be the 37-year-old who gets the nod in the cup competitions next season.
Of course, that promotion hinges on Henderson’s replacement slotting in behind Heaton in the pecking order.
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