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.
What's the latest news involving Henderson?
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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What has Dean Jones said about Henderson?
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 and are lining up a £20million bid in the summer.
But Jones insists Howe would prefer to strike a deal for the 6 ft 2 Henderson instead of turning his attentions towards Sanchez.
The transfer insider told GIVEMESPORT: "Dean Henderson is still their first choice goalkeeper as they go into the summer market."
Is a deal for Henderson likely?
Henderson has found himself behind David de Gea in Manchester United's shot-stopping pecking order and been restricted to just 278 minutes of first-team action since the season got underway.
Bearing that in mind, it is understandable that Henderson wants to move onto pastures new, particularly as a lack of game-time has resulted in him being unable to add to his one England cap ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
However, Henderson's £120,000-per-week contract does not expire until the summer of 2025, so Manchester United do not necessarily need to sell the goalkeeper despite his wish to leave.
Rangnick is set to step away from the dugout at the end of the season, with him taking on a consultancy role, so who comes in to replace the German could prove crucial in determining whether Henderson is allowed to leave Old Trafford.