Why Chelsea's interest in Dean Henderson is not causing too much alarm at Sheffield United

Agents acting on behalf of Frank Lampard’s side have reportedly contacted the goalkeeper’s representatives after being impressed by his performances at Bramall Lane this term, with Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to show solidarity with David de Gea, despite the Spaniard’s chequered form, fuelling interest at Stamford Bridge.

Although Henderson has made it clear he will not return to Old Trafford as de Gea’s understudy, the former England under-21 international’s preference is still to become the 20-time English champions’ undisputed number one.

Solskjaer has sought to allay Henderson’s concerns about his future in the North-West by confirming he is certain to replace de Gea at some point, which in turn has encouraged United that a deal can be brokered which would see him spend next term with Chris Wilder’s squad before rejoining his parent club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

In January, shortly after Wilder confirmed he wanted to bring Henderson back to South Yorkshire for a third season, sources close to the youngster’s advisors indicated that - providing Solskjaer could provide their client with a clear career development plan - they would be prepared to steer him back towards United unless a club competing in the top tier of European competition entered the race for his services.

However, Solskjaer is coming under increasing pressure to install Henderson as his first choice next season.

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