Manchester United are in talks with Crystal Palace over a move for goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to Mike McGrath and Fabrizio Romano.
THE LOWDOWN: DUBRAVKA RECALLED
Martin Dubravka made the move to Old Trafford over the summer on loan from Newcastle United, but the 33-year-old made just two EFL Cup appearances under Erik ten Hag.
He made the bench in the Premier League on eight occasions but failed to feature and has recently been recalled by the Magpies.
That has left United with just David de Gea and Tom Heaton as senior goalkeeping options, but it seems as if the club are looking to bring in another this month.
THE LATEST: BUTLAND TALKS
Reliable reporter McGrath shared a story for The Telegraph on Wednesday, revealing United’s interest in Butland. He stated that the Red Devils are in talks with the Eagles over taking Butland to Old Trafford for the second half of the season.
Romano cited the news and added that the club have ‘discussed the conditions’ of a transfer and are ‘exploring some options’ to replace Dubravka, which appears to hint that Butland isn’t the only name on the list.
THE VERDICT: NEEDED
As mentioned, Ten Hag has just De Gea and Heaton available for the second half of the season, with both out of contract at the end of the current campaign.
Therefore, the club need to assess their options both in the short and long run, so bringing in Butland could be a wise move. The 29-year-old, labelled as a ‘positive professional’ by Patrick Vieira, has plenty of Premier League experience, making 87 appearances in the top flight.
He’s also out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season, so who knows, a loan spell for the Nike-sponsored player could lead to a permanent deal to replace Heaton, who will turn 37 in April.
Man Utd make Dean Henderson U-turn as Nottingham Forest learn January decision
The latest Nottingham Forest news as Manchester United decide what to do with Dean Henderson for the rest of the season
Dean Henderson has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United did ‘consider’ recalling Dean Henderson from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest this month.
However, the goalkeeper’s parent club have ‘decided against’ ending the deal early to take him back to Old Trafford, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. He will spend the rest the season with Forest as initially intended.
The Red Devils have been in the market for a backup goalkeeper since the January transfer window opened after Martin Dubravka returned to Newcastle United from his curtailed loan spell. The Slovak international asked to be recalled, according to Eddie Howe.
That left United with the option to recall Henderson, too, but they are on the verge of signing a new pair of hands instead. They are ‘in talks’ with Crystal Palace over a deal for former England shot stopper Jack Butland.
This is all great news for Forest, who have benefited this season from having Henderson between the sticks. Having to look for a new goalkeeper would cause an unnecessarily headache for manager Steve Cooper.
Henderson has started all but one of Forest’s 17 Premier League games to date – the exception being the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. The 25-year-old says he is happy to be getting the kind of regularly game time he was being starved of at United.
“The first few games were difficult when I didn’t play last season but it’s been great to play as often as I have so far. I’m relatively happy with my form overall.
“It is hard to be perfect every single game but I’ve had some big moments. I’d like to think I have contributed to the team picking up a few points.
“I just want to get better as the season goes on. I’m really enjoying it here. Coming in during the summer with a big turnaround of players was interesting but we’re getting our feet under the table.”
Source: footballtransfertavern.com; nottinghampost.com
