"Still their first choice" - Insider drops NUFC transfer update on "fantastic" 6 ft 2 PL ace

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is keen to welcome Manchester United shot-stopper Dean Henderson to St James’ Park and make him the Magpies’ first choice goalkeeper, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Howe was appointed as the Tyneside giants’ head coach last November and, ahead of his first full season at the helm, it appears he has already pinpointed summer targets.

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle will make a fresh move for Henderson when the transfer window reopens as Howe has identified the goalkeeping position as one of the key areas he wants to strengthen this summer.

Although Martin Dubravka is regularly between the sticks for the Magpies at the moment, the report suggests Howe is concerned at the lack of competition for the number one jersey.

It comes after transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed Henderson has remained on Newcastle’s three-man shortlist of goalkeeping targets despite missing out on his services during the January window.

Romero claims Manchester United will make a decision on whether to sell the £16.2million-rated ace or loan him out during the summer, with Henderson desperate to secure more game-time after growing frustrated at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ interim manager Ralf Rangnick – who has described Henderson as ‘fantastic’ – was not willing to sanction the 25-year-old’s exit midway through the campaign, much to the frustration of Henderson and Newcastle.

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Jones believes Henderson is at the top of Howe’s list of potential acquisitions between the sticks.

The Sun have claimed Brighton & Hove Albion custodian Robert Sanchez has also worked his way onto Newcastle’s radar