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Newcastle? West Ham? Ajax? Where next for wantaway Man Utd goalkeeper Dean Henderson?

Dean Henderson in action for Man Utd

With the 2022 World Cup now less than a year away, Dean Henderson appears to have decided he can't wait any long for a chance to play at Man Utd.

If reports are to be believed, then it appears Dean Henderson has finally ran out of patience at Manchester United.

The England international was part of Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euros last summer before having to withdraw with a hip injury, but he has played just twice for Man Utd this season.

With the 2022 World Cup approaching, Henderson is reportedly eyeing the Old Trafford exit door as he seeks more opportunities to play.

One thing for sure is that Henderson is unlikely to be short on offers, but who are the early front-runners in the betting markets?

Newcastle

It seems repetitive but expect Newcastle to be very much in the market for Henderson if Manchester United make him available - as well as just about everyone else - in January especially.

The Magpies are in a precarious position in the Premier League and they are likely to need top-eight form in the second half of the season to avoid relegation.

That's obviously all well and good, but they are nowhere near having a top-eight squad right now and will need to assemble one in January.

The recent takeover by the Saudi-based consortium means money will not be a problem for Newcastle, but there will be obstacles to overcome.

Manchester United may not want to do Newcastle any favours for one. Sooner or later, Newcastle will be trying to muscle their way into the top four and that may mean displacing the Red Devils from it. Henderson may not want to drop into a relegation battle either.

Still, money talks, and Newcastle have plenty of it. Expect odds of around 3/1 for them to snag the 24-year-old when he makes his Man Utd exit.

West Ham

Had Henderson decided to move in the summer 2021 window, West Ham would have been a very realistic destination.

Things have changed since then, though. West Ham's fine 2020/21 campaign has not turned out to be a one-off. In fact, if anything they look even stronger this season.

The Hammers harbour realistic top-four ambitions and that makes them a direct rival to Manchester United.

There is, of course, the possibility that West Ham make Man Utd an offer they feel unable to refuse, so you can get odds or around 10/1 for the deal to get done.

However, the Premier League is a cut-throat business, especially at either end of the table, so you'd have to consider West Ham an outsider to secure Henderson's signature should he move on in January.

Ajax

Ajax have been heavily linked with Henderson already this year and if that interest is genuine it's a deal that you could see suiting all parties.

Henderson is on a long-term deal at Man Utd, so this would allow him to move to a Champions League club on a potential 18-month loan deal, get plenty of game-time and return to Old Trafford in a much better position to challenge David De Gea.

Ajax have a link to Manchester United too with former Red Devils legend Edwin van der Sar their chief executive

Finances may be the only stumbling block, with Ajax likely to need help from Manchester United to cover Henderson's reported £100,000 per week wages. However, Old Trafford chiefs may see that as an investment if they believe they will be getting a better goalkeeper back in 18 months.

The bookies appear to be settling at around 5/1 on Ajax being Henderson's next club, and that may be where the smart money is.

Southampton

Southampton started the season looking pretty well-stocked in the goalkeeper department but they have a bit of a crisis on their hands now.

Both Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster are suffering with muscle injuries and that has led them to a seek an emergency solution by signing Willy Caballero.

The former Manchester City and Chelsea man is 40 years old now and was keeping himself fit by training with AFC Wimbledon until he got Saints' call. He has already been thrust into Premier League action in Southampton's draw at Crystal Palace.

Caballero's short-term deal expires on January 5, though, so if the injuries to McCarthy and Forster don't clear up quickly, Southampton may look for a better solution next month.
That could lead them straight to Henderson, with most bookmakers offering around 10/1 for the deal to happen.

Brentford

Brentford are another club currently suffering a goalkeeper crisis and they were set to field 18-year-old Matthew Cox in their clash with Manchester United before it was postponed due to a COVID outbreak.

First choice David Reya is out until at least February with a knee injury and Alvaro Fernandez is also unavailable.

Alvaro's injury is not expected to be a long-term one, but should a goalkeeper of Henderson's quality be made available on a loan deal in January, you'd expect the Bees to explore it.

They are relative outsiders if the bookies are to be believed, at 9/1, but Brentford should be considered a realistic destination for the England man.

ALSO READ: Where next for Anthony Martial? PSG, Everton and West Ham all in for United's wantaway Frenchman

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