Dean Henderson has returned to Manchester United after his loan spell (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea re keeping close tabs on Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The 23-year-old has earned rave reviews in England this season following his stellar displays between the sticks while on loan at Sheffield United, where he has kept 11 clean sheets in the league.
Henderson has played a crucial role in helping Sheffield record the second-best defensive record in the league. He has let in just 25 goals from their 28 league matches so far. Only leaders Liverpool have conceded fewer goals (21) than Chris Wilder’s Blades.
This has seen Sheffield rise to an impressive seventh in the league table in their maiden season back in the top-flight. Henderson had stood out for the Blades with his 21 clean sheets from 46 games Championship, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League last season.
However, he is expected to return to his Manchester United when his loan spell with Sheffield ends this season. The Red Devils have David de Gea and Sergio Romero ahead of academy graduate Henderson in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Having matured into one of the best keepers in England during his time with Sheffield, Henderson, however, faces an uncertain future at United. The Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to make a decision on his role next season, and the report claims that Chelsea wants to make the best out of this situation. (h/t Daily Mail)
Chelsea custodian Kepa, meanwhile, has endured a difficult campaign this season, managing just six clean sheets despite appearing 25 times in the league.
Kepa’s poor form even saw him being replaced by veteran Willy Caballero for four consecutive matches by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard midway into the season. However, Caballero will turn 39 this coming September and Chelsea do not have any other goalkeepers as a back-up.
That said, Chelsea’s decision to make a move for the in-form Henderson seems like a step in the right direction. Given Kepa’s inconsistency and Caballero’s age, the Englishman would enhance the quality of the Blues’ goalkeeping department. Hence, Chelsea must continue their pursuit of the young keeper and land him at Stamford Bridge.
It is clearly evident that Chelsea are lacking in quality and depth in their goalkeeping department. And hence, roping in Henderson seems like the safest bet at the moment.
Having proved himself already at Sheffield United, it would not take Henderson much time to adjust at Chelsea. Also, he can give Kepa a good run for his money and vie for a starting berth.
