Newcastle United already know answer to £40m Man Utd transfer dilemma

Newcastle United have been told that they must pay £40m to secure the services of Dean Henderson from Manchester United, according to the Daily Star.

The Magpies are expected to conduct an overhaul of their goalkeeping options at the end of the season with question marks over the future of three of their stoppers.

Regular number one Martin Dubravka seems likely to remain at St James Park after playing each and every minute of Premier League fixtures during Eddie Howe’s time at the club.

Backup options Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie could be allowed to leave at the end of the season and a permanent move away from Tyneside for former England Under-21 keeper Freddie Woodman is on the cards.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed successful loan spells with Swansea City and Kilmarnock during his time with Newcastle - but it seems both the club and player believe a permanent move is the best way forward this summer.

England keeper Henderson is believed to be Eddie Howe’s number one option as he looks to strengthen his squad and build on the momentum created by their positive run of form since January.

The Magpies made an offer for the Cumbrian stopper during the January transfer window but it was quickly rebuffed by the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Speaking at the time, Rangnick told TalkSPORT: “A couple of weeks ago he asked me (if he could leave) but I told him I’d rather have him stay until the end of the season. We are very happy with our goalkeepers but if it’s up to me I wouldn’t want him to leave.”

The Daily Star have reported Newcastle will make a summer move for Henderson - but have been informed they will have to part with a record fee for a British goalkeeper if they are to be successful.

The Red Devils are said to have placed a £40million price tag on Henderson’s head - which would surpass the £30million fee Arsenal paid for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale last summer.

Henderson is rumoured to be keen on a move away from Old Trafford as he looks to force his way into the England squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Former England number one David James has tipped Henderson to become a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s side in future - but believes he needs to become a regular at club level before that can be achieved.

“With regards who gets the number one position, it’s fascinating because Henderson has come in at Manchester United and now everything he does has come under scrutiny,” James told the PA news agency.

“But in my opinion, if he can be Manchester United’s number one then there’s no reason why he can’t be England’s number one.

“It’s the way he handles himself. I’d say ‘fearless’ would be the best word. If there’s a mis-judgement or error, he’ll continue doing what he knows he can do afterwards and not be frightened of it.”

NewcastleWorld verdict

James is correct - Henderson’s talent, mindset and self-belief should be enough to see him challenging the likes of Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale for the England number one shirt.

However, he won’t be given a chance to flourish at international level if he is not playing regular first-team football in the Premier League.

Henderson’s route into the first-team at Manchester United is blocked by David de Gea, who seems to have moved on from his difficult spell of form and is rediscovering the consistency he showed two or three years ago.

Quite simply, Henderson needs a move away from Old Trafford or he is at risk of letting his career slip through his fingers.

From Newcastle’s point of view, they need to refresh their goalkeeping options and at the age of 25, Henderson provides them with a high-calibre option to become their long-term number one.

There are ambitious plans at St James’ Park and moves for talented players with plenty to prove will form the basis of their recruitment during this summer and beyond.

This move feels like it would work for all parties - but it will all depend on whether the Magpies are willing to meet Manchester United’s asking price.

Something that is by no means a certainty.