Sheffield United: Blades receive encouragement over Dean Henderson

Sources close to the negotiation process have told The Star that talks with the goalkeeper's parent club Manchester United are progressing well and, barring any unforeseen complications, are edging towards a positive conclusion.

Although is still work to be done, the tenor of those discussions, coupled with Henderson's decision to publicly express his desire to play for United in the Premier League, are thought to have persuaded manager Chris Wilder that a deal can be concluded before this summer's European under-21 Championships, which begin in Italy on June 16.

Together with another former United loanee, Everton midfielder Kieran Dowell, Henderson has been selected to represent England at the tournament.

Although officials at Old Trafford have no intention of allowing him to depart on a permanent basis, they will allow Henderson to continue his development away from the North-West with South Yorkshire the most likely destination.

Aged 22, Henderson agreed a temporary transfer to United last year after helping Shrewsbury Town reach the League One play-offs and emerged as a key member of the squad which gained promotion from the second tier.

With Gareth Southgate confirming he is under consideration for a senior international cap, Henderson insisted earlier this month that impressing for Wilder's team at top-flight level represents his best chance of earning a seat on the plane to the 2022 World Cup finals.

United are also chasing two new centre-forwards, an attacking midfielder and possibly another wing-back as they prepare to rub shoulders with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Ole Gunnar Solskjær's side.