Dean Henderson would be Newcastle's first choice goalkeeper if he signs for the Magpies this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The £16.2m-rated shotstopper was heavily linked with a January switch to St James' Park and could be on the move this summer following his lack of opportunities at Manchester United.

What's the latest news involving Henderson?

According to The Manchester Evening News, the Toon Army made a last-ditch January attempt to try and bring Henderson to the North East following uncertainties over their goalkeeping department.

Newcastle were in talks with United over a loan deal for the remainder of the season, although the Red Devils weren't willing to allow him to leave and he therefore stayed put.

United's decision to keep Henderson has continued what has been a frustrating campaign for the England international.

The former Sheffield United loanee, once described by ex-Blades teammate Sander Berge as 'insane', has hardly had a look in this season following David de Gea's return to number one at Old Trafford.

Henderson has made just three first-team appearances all season; one each in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League, with his most recent outing coming back in January.

As a result of his lack of game-time, Henderson remains on Newcastle's wish-list heading into the summer window.

Martin Dubravka has been Eddie Howe's number one since he arrived, but the Slovakian made another costly error against Manchester City on Sunday.

The 33-year-old has been the Magpies' first choice stopper throughout the majority of his time at Newcastle, but Downie reckons that Henderson will overtake him in the pecking order if he joins in the upcoming window.

What did Downie say about Henderson?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "You'd be surprised if someone like Dean Henderson came in as number two.

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

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Would Henderson be a good signing for Newcastle?

It's been a sorry campaign for the 25-year-old, who's been forced to watch on from the bench for almost the entire season.

And while he's not played much at all since his loan spell with Sheffield United ended nearly two years ago, he proved during his time at Bramall Lane that he can certainly handle himself at Premier League level.

During Sheffield United's first season back in the top-flight in 2019-2020, Henderson kept an impressive 13 clean sheets, including against Everton, Arsenal, West Ham, and Chelsea, making minimal mistakes along the way.

Therefore, with Henderson coming into the prime years of his career and Dubravka not getting any younger despite some bright displays from him in recent times, bringing the United stopper to the Toon could prove a fine piece of business.