Sources: Nottingham Forest could now pull plug on Henderson deal

Nottingham Forest could be forced to move on from Dean Henderson in their pursuit of a first-choice goalkeeper, sources have told Football Insider.

A deal for Henderson, 26, is Forest’s number one priority following his loan spell at the club last term and the player is ready to return permanently.

However, a move has been held up by Man United’s unwillingness to sanction the deal.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Forest “could look at other targets” if the Red Devils continue to hold on to the England international.

Man United are not willing to let any goalkeepers leave the club amid uncertainty surrounding the future of David De Gea – who is out of contract on Friday (30 June).

Football Insider revealed on Friday that the long-serving goalkeeper agreed a pay cut with the Red Devils and put pen to paper – but United pulled out of the deal and offered reduced terms at the eleventh hour.

It is believed that decision was taken as De Gea didn’t have the full trust of manager Erik ten Hag.

Henderson spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at the City Ground and was the first-choice shot-stopper before an injury curtailed his season.

The England international kept six clean sheets in 20 games before suffering a thigh injury in January – but is expected to return in time for pre-season ahead of the 2023-24 season.