Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson as a potential summer transfer target.
While Hugo Lloris is the long-term number one at Spurs and has recently penned a new deal, the World Cup winner was coming in for criticism over his performances before he was ruled out for two months through injury.
Nevertheless, with Lloris and deputy Fraser Forster both in the closing years of their respective careers, the North Londoners are aware that they will soon require a new figure for between the sticks.
With Alfie Whiteman and Brandon Austin first requiring senior experience out on loan, Spurs will have to look elsewhere to sufficiently replace Lloris.
According to ESPN, club officials are open to exploring the possibility of signing Henderson ahead of 2023-24.
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The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he has made 20 appearances in all competitions, but the East Midlands outfit do not possess the option to buy.
As it stands, Henderson will return to his parent club in the summer, although it remains to be seen whether he has any sort of future under Erik ten Hag.
In the short term, much may depend on whether United retain the services of David de Gea, who is yet to be handed a contract extension by the powers-that-be at Old Trafford.
Despite Tom Heaton and Jack Butland being understudies to De Gea, neither of the pair are viewed as an eventual replacement for the Spaniard should he depart United on a free transfer later in 2023.
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The report suggests that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may have to be more open to the sale of Harry Kane if he wishes to make any progress with signing Henderson.
Although Kane has just over 15 months left on his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it has been claimed that Levy does not want to sell to a Premier League rival.
Furthermore, the two clubs are said to hold an indifferent relationship, something which would leave to difficulties at the negotiating table should anything transpire relating to Henderson or Kane.
Spurs allegedly want to recoup at least £100m if they sell Kane in the summer, a valuation that United may consider meeting to solve their issues down the middle of their attack.
Darren Plant
