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Aston Villa interested in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson

By Josh Tonti

SHREWSBURY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Dean Henderson of Shrewsbury Town during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Shrewsbury Town and West Ham United at New Meadow on January 7, 2018 in Shrewsbury, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SHREWSBURY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Dean Henderson of Shrewsbury Town during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Shrewsbury Town and West Ham United at New Meadow on January 7, 2018 in Shrewsbury, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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A couple of reports out of England indicate Aston Villa is one of several clubs interested in a summer move for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Henderson, 20, is starring on-loan for Shrewsbury Town this season.

The Express ran with a quick story claiming Aston Villa and Steve Bruce are plotting a summer move for 20-year old goalkeeper Dean Henderson. 

They are not alone, however. Arsenal and Chelsea are each eager to sign the England U-20 World Cup winner, whose contract expires with United in six months’ time. Internationally, Benfica, Roma, and Olympiakos are keeping tabs too.

Through 27 League One matches, Shrewsbury Town have conceded only 16 goals, Dean Henderson being a large reason why. He kept West Ham United without a score in a match-up of FA Cup third-round play. Similarly, the return leg at London Stadium saw Shrewsbury keep West Ham at bay for 111 minutes until Reece Burke forced in the deciding volley.

A teammate of Sam Johnstone at United, it is good to see Aston Villa chasing young, cost-effective talent. Being out-of-contract in the summer allows the club to bring in developmental pieces without breaking the bank.

Conversely, that means Henderson will have no shortage of suitors to sign for. Big clubs want a talented understudy for (nearly) free. Championship clubs can offer starting positions within their teams.

At Manchester United, David De Gea is 27 and there have been preliminary talks regarding a new contract for the Spaniard. Arguably the world’s top goalkeeper, it is hard to envision Henderson ever breaking into the team no matter how much talent or development he showcases.

Unless he’s comfortable with further future loan moves, a change in scenery seems to the best approach for his career.

Villa Verdict:

Henderson seems to be a fall back option should Sam Johnstone be transferred elsewhere in the summer at the expiry of his loan deal. Aston Villa could straight-up offer the number one shirt to Henderson if the club failed in its promotion efforts.

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