Billy Sharp says Dean Henderson wants to return to Sheffield United next season, despite reports linking him with Chelsea.
This is only if Henderson is not guaranteed a starting role at Manchester United. The 22-year-old is currently at Bramall Lane on his second successive loan from the Red Devils.
Henderson impressed again at the weekend. He kept his tenth clean sheet in the Premier League this season during the 1-0 win over Norwich City.
The goalkeeper made a string of saves to help secure the result – which moved the Blades up to seventh in the table.
“We’re not in his ear about it, we don’t need to be,” Sharp was quoted by the Daily Mail when asked about Henderson’s future.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
“He wants to come back. He wants to play for Man United, obviously – he’s not going to lie – but if he can’t do that he wants to play for Sheffield United.”
When Chelsea became interested in Henderson
(Photo by Ben Early – AMA/Getty Images)
The Blues have emerged as surprise candidates to sign the England Under-21 international for next term due to their own issues in goal.
Kepa Arrizabalaga had been dropped for four successive league matches by manager Frank Lampard. However, the Spaniard did return between the posts on Sunday as they beat Everton 4-0.
Instead, Willy Caballero had been playing in his place. As a result, the report says Chelsea would be prepared to compete with the Blades for Henderson’s signature.
Yet having spent a world record £71m (BBC) on Kepa in 2018, that seems unlikely. Especially as the 25-year-old has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025.
Any deal for the Englishman would also be a loan, with Man United not prepared to sell as things stand. They have a decision to make on who will be their first choice ‘keeper, with David de Gea having made a number of high profile mistakes in 2019/20.
But De Gea is under contract until 2023. Henderson is not willing to go back to Old Trafford to sit on the bench.
