Southampton linked with January move for out of favour Manchester United star

Southampton have reportedly submitted and enquiry as to the availability of Manchester United back-up goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The 24-year old has made just two appearances for United this season and wants more first team opportunities, which could come with a move to St Mary’s.

However, Red Devils’ interim head coach Ralf Rangnick is hoping that England international, who spent 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons on loan at Sheffield United, will remain at Old Trafford.

Here is everything that has been reported and what is being said regarding Dean Henderson’s situation.

Southampton make Dean Henderson enquiry

Football Insider reported the news that Southampton have made an enquiry to United about signing Dean Henderson this month.

Although the Saints already have three experienced keepers in Alex McCarthy, Willy Caballero and Fraser Forster, it is understood that manager Ralph Hasenhuttl sees Henderson as a potential new No.1, as well as a player with a high sell on value.

It’s unlikely Henderson would be available at a bargain price having signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford 18 months ago worth a reported £100,000 a week.

However, the Saints have recently come under new ownership so many have the financial backing to bring the stopper south.

What has Manchester United interim head-coach Ralf Rangnick said about Dean Henderson?

Rangnick recently commented publicly on the situation regarding Dean Henderson.

The England international had clearly hoped to see more game time this season but has been unable to supplant current number one David de Gea.

Henderson has played just two games for the Old Trafford side this season and they were against West Ham United in the EFL Cup and Young Boys in the Champions League.

Rangnick said earlier this week: “I told him that I would like him to stay because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.

“In training yesterday, he had another couple of fantastic saves. I really like to have him on board, as one of three top goalkeepers.

“I can fully understand that he wants to play because he’s in an age where as a goalkeeper he should regularly play.

“On the other hand, we are still in three competitions, we need the three goalkeepers we have right now.

“I told him that but I can also on the other hand understand his desire to get game time elsewhere in the Premier League.”

How likely is a deal for Dean Henderson to move to Southampton?

Although it appears that Henderson wants to leave and Southampton are keen to sign him, it still seems fairly unlikely that he will be allowed to permanently depart this month.

Given the remaining length of his current contract, not to mention Henderson being a recent England international and still very young by goalkeeper standards, United would be well within their rights to expect a significant transfer fee if they were to allow him to leave.

Southampton do currently have three quality goalkeepers, all of whom have bags of Premier League experience, but Caballero is now 40 and is unlikely to be at the club beyond the summer.

A loan deal seems unlikely as it would not benefit either team with United requiring Henderson as back-up and Saints looking for a long term No.1.