Keith Downie: Howe could now sign 'awesome' player to replace current NUFC star; he's 'insane'

Dean Henderson would likely replace Martin Dubravka if he joined Newcastle from Manchester United, Keith Downie says. 

Newcastle held talks with The Red Devils over a loan move for Henderson in January but couldn’t reach an agreement.

However, The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reported in March that Howe intends to return with a permanent offer for the Englishman this summer.

The manager wants to strengthen his goalkeeping department and has considered moves for Arsenal’s Bernd Leno and West Brom’s Sam Johnstone, but Henderson is his primary target ‘by some distance‘.

Playing second fiddle to David de Gea, the player is unhappy with his situation at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old still has more than three years left to run on his contract and is valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sky Sports’ North-East England reporter said he couldn’t see Henderson joining Newcastle as a deputy. Instead, he’d probably arrive as the new no. 1, displacing Dubravka.

“You’d be surprised if someone like Dean Henderson came in as number two,” Downie said.

“Yes, he’s number two at Manchester United, but I’m not sure that would be the case here.”

If Howe isn’t satisfied with Dubravka, then Henderson would be a good bet as a replacement.

He has 29 games’ worth of experience at a top club, keeping 13 clean sheets, and is also an England international, having made his debut in November 2020.

Indeed, moving to St James’ Park and becoming a first-choice ‘keeper could help his prospects no-end ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

Former team-mate Sander Berge has provided a glowing review of Henderson that will surely excite the Magpies.

“He’s insane,” the Sheffield United man said during Hendersn’s loan spell. “I’ve never