Sheffield United are considering Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster as a replacement for Dean Henderson, according to The Sun.
Henderson is currently on a season-long loan with at Bramall Lane from Manchester United. While the Blades would be keen to make that move permanent next summer, there are doubts over whether they could afford his price-tag or wages.
Henderson’s stock has risen greatly over the past two seasons on loan in South Yorkshire. Last term he helped Chris Wilder’s men to promotion from the Championship, keeping the most clean sheets in the division.
That fine form has continued into 2019/20 and the Blades’ first campaign in the Premier League in 12 years. Only leaders Liverpool and second-placed Leicester City have a better defensive record.
Yet if they can’t retain Henderson for a third season, Wilder is considering Foster as an alternative. The 36-year-old is likely to leave the Hornets if they are relegated.
But are there better options in the second tier of English football?
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Foster alternatives in the Championship for Sheffield United
David Raya
Raya left Blackburn Rovers for Brentford this summer and has kept the second most clean sheets this term with seven.
Having only turned 24 in September the Spaniard has plenty of time to improve. Plus the Blades have a good recent history signing players from Griffin Park, with Jack O’Connell and John Egan having been a huge success since making the same move.
Brice Samba
Samba is third on the list of clean sheets with six, having made a big impression at Nottingham Forest in 2019/20.
Signed from Caen in Ligue 2 over the summer, the 25-year-old has been a standout performer for Sabri Lamouchi’s team.
Freddie Woodman
On loan at Swansea City from Newcastle United, Woodman has arguably been one of their players of the season so far.
Still only 22-years-old, the England Under-21 international has had to earn his game time away from St James’ Park. Now Woodman is starting to suggest he can compete at the top.