Sheffield United's hopes of signing Dean Henderson handed a blow as Manchester United could hand him opportunity to challenge David De Gea - reports

Henderson, who signed a new long-term deal at his parent club before joining the original United in the summer for a second loan spell, has been in impressive form in the Premier League this season, at one point helping United establish the best defensive record in the top-flight.

He has conceded fewer goals and kept more clean sheets than De Gea, who also signed a new contract recently - boosting his weekly wage to a reported £350,000 a week - to stave off interest from abroad.

But the Spaniard has made several high-profile errors so far this season, and sources in Manchester suggest that Solskjær is concerned that De Gea is not being challenged enough for the No.1 spot. Sergio Romero and Lee Grant currently make up the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford.

Henderson still retains a confidence that he will one day be No.1 for both the Red Devils and England, and is known to be highly regarded at Old Trafford. Since joining the academy as a young boy, he has repeatedly requested to go out on loan to play football and it remains to be seen whether he would be happy to simply challenge De Gea as No.2, or would push for first-team football elsewhere if the opportunity arose.

Many Blades supporters have implored their club to make a permanent offer for the goalkeeper's services, who has also established himself as a firm fans' favourite with his attitude on and off the pitch. But any fee demanded by Henderson's parent club may prove prohibitive; as may the prospect of matching the youngster's wages.

Henderson has an opportunity to stake a claim to be part of England’s Euro 2020 squad in the second half of the season. Tom Heaton, one of his rivals for a spot on the plane, is out for the rest of the season after damaging knee ligaments.