Sheffield United still hopeful of keeping Dean Henderson despite arrival of former Rangers star

After United move to bolster their goalkeeping options by signing former Rangers player Wes Foderingham, officials acting on the South Yorkshire club’s behalf remain in talks with their counterparts at Manchester United about the possibility of renewing Henderson’s loan.

The former England under-21 international, who appears destined to win his first senior cap before the 2021 European Championships, has spent the past two years with United - helping them win promotion to the top-flight and then challenge for a top six finish this term.

But with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yet to decide if the 23-year-old will be granted an opportunity to stake a claim for a starting berth at Old Trafford ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, which is expected to begin in September, Wilder faces an anxious wait to discover if his wish will be granted.

Speaking after absolving Henderson of any responsibility for last night’s defeat by Leicester City, which saw them finish the latest round of fixtures in eighth place, Wilder said: “When you see Dean perform as he did, because he kept us in the game, of course we’d love to keep him here.

“But it’s not in my power to decide what happens, because he’s not our player. He is Manchester United's player and we respect that totally. Of course we do."

Although United would ideally prefer to receive some direction on Henderson’s future when they complete their fixture schedule next weekend - after playing host to Everton on Monday, they visit Southampton six days later - privately Wilder is resigned to the fact it could take at least at fortnight before Solskjaer reaches a final decision. The mood music in the North-West suggests the Norwegian is minded to keep faith with David de Gea - something which would see Henderson push for a return to United.

Wilder's move for Foderingham, who left Ibrox in May, is not linked to his discussions with Solskjaer.

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