Sheffield United are currently searching for a new goalkeeper – with Dean Henderson having been deemed too expensive for the Blades.
That’s according to The Sun, who claim that Watford’s Ben Foster is being considered as an alternative.
Apparently Foster is likely to leave Vicarage Road next summer if the Hornets are relegated. They are currently bottom of the Premier League table with just eight points.
At 36-years-old, Foster is expected to accept a short-term contract. Which would suit the Blades as they seek a replacement for Henderson.
The England Under-21 international is on loan at Bramall Lane from Manchester United for the second successive season.
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Last term Henderson played a key role in them being promoted from the Championship. The 22-year-old played every league game, keeping more clean sheets in the division than any other ‘keeper.
Henderson has been equally as important this time around, but the report says the Blades will be unable to sign him permanently. That is because the stopper’s transfer fee and wage demands will be too expensive.
So how much would Henderson cost?
Could the Blades afford Henderson?
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The Sun previously reported that it would take £20m to sign Henderson. That was after David de Gea signed a new deal to potentially keep him as the Red Devils number one until 2023.
Considering the Blades have previously paid that fee – albeit a club record one – to sign Oli McBurnie, it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest they could match it for Henderson.
Not that it clears up all the issues, of course. Firstly, there are wage demands.
Henderson signed a new contract at Old Trafford himself in July. Shortly before that, The Sun said the ‘keeper was seeking £75,000-a-week.
Whether that was eventually agreed or not is unclear. But if it was then the Blades may struggle to match it, with Spotrac reporting Phil Jagielka is their current highest earner on £50,000-a-week.
The other problem is whether Henderson would be prepared to move to South Yorkshire permanently. He clearly has an affection for the club beyond that of a typical loanee, but he is also very ambitious.
Henderson has made no secret of the fact he wants to be first choice for Man United. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports Bayern Munich are monitoring him as a potential long-term successor to Manuel Neuer.
