Nottingham Forest advance in talks for Dean Henderson in place of departing Samba

Nottingham Forest are close to announcing the signing of goalkeeper Dean Henderson from Manchester United to replace the departing Brice Samba.

The future of goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been a source of debate among Manchester United fans for some time. Many argue Henderson – an academy graduate – should be handed the gloves over long-serving teammate David de Gea and vice versa.

It appears Henderson’s fate could keep everyone happy, however, with the 25-year-old on the verge of joining newly promoted Nottingham Forest but on a temporary basis.

The Mail report that Forest have agreed a deal with United to sign the former Sheffield United and Shrewsbury Town man on loan with an option to buy worth £20m.

Journalist Olly Allen goes on to state personal terms have been agreed with the player and final paperwork is all that stands between the transfer’s confirmation.

Forest were forced to play their hand after goalkeeper Brice Samba declared his intentions to leave the club due to negotiations for a new contract breaking down.

Ligue 1 outfit Nantes have submitted a bid for the Congolese international – as per Football Insider – who played a vital role in the Midlands side’s Play-Off success after proving the hero in a semi-final penalty shoot-out against Sheffield United.

News of Henderson’s arrival does come with a catch for the Reds’ faithful with James Garner now unable to return to the City Ground due to the Premier League’s restrictions on having more than one loanee from one club.

Is a loan the right option for Dean Henderson?

Dean Henderson made just 13 appearances in the Premier League last season after falling down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Despite United’s poor form and tendency to leak goals, first-choice David de Gea was viewed as a shining light in an otherwise dim season, resulting in sparse opportunity for the aforesaid to prove his worth.

The Cumbria-born goalkeeper joined the club aged 14 and has been open about his dream to turn out at Old Trafford as his team’s number ‘1’.

"“To play for Manchester United you’ve got to be willing to do the hard work,” said the England international during the 2020/21 season.“No one is going to gift you the opportunity, you’ve got to keep working hard for it — and hopefully I can get the opportunity full-time. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve always imagined playing for Manchester United in front of 76,000 and beating Liverpool.“I always pinch myself every time I go out on the Old Trafford pitch.”Via: OneFootball"

Onlookers may be surprised not to see Henderson leave on a permanent deal in the hope of being allowed a prominent role. While he’ll be afforded this with Steve Cooper at Forest, there is still a sense of him leaving the door ajar for a return to the North West.

Along with Samba and now potentially Garner – barring a permanent transfer – Nottingham Forest’s hopes of retaining the spine of their promotion-winning team took a hit with the news that Djed Spence, who impressed while on loan from Middlesborough last season, is nearing a transfer to Tottenham.

The signing of Dean Henderson will provide solace for the Forest faithful and Steve Cooper alike, bringing with him first-hand experience of surviving a relegation battle in the top-flight.