Nottingham Forest's players led by Nottingham Forest's Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas (R) acknowledge fans at the end of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge in London on May 13, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest were waiting to see if Keylor Navas was a viable option before pursuing Dean Henderson. The Manchester United stopper is firmly on the City Ground radar ahead of the summer transfer window.
It would appear that the PSG star isn’t now likely to come back to Forest. He has offers from all over the world, according to 90Min, with Forest hoping to re-sign him on a permanent deal.
Now, all roads lead to Henderson. It’s been claimed this afternoon that Forest are entering advanced talks with United over securing a permanent deal for the 26-year-old goalkeeper.
Henderson was on loan with the Reds during 2022/23. He made 20 appearances and kept six clean sheets before picking up a season-ending thigh injury against Leicester in January.
The player would be a cracking signing for the Reds. Henderson seemed to love life at Forest during the campaign and he was spotted cheering his teammates on, even after he suffered his injury.
Steve Cooper will now hope to get his man. It’s not clear at this stage exactly how much he will cost but however much it is, Forest are getting themselves a quality goalkeeper.
Henderson has one England cap to his name and he will hope for more. He burnt his bridges with United last summer by publicly slating them shortly after checking in at Forest.
Forest were waiting on Navas before going full steam ahead for Henderson
If this is true, it’s pleasing that Forest don’t feel Navas is obtainable. Although he did well for the club, he’s now 36-years-old and he’d hardly be considered a long-term option.
Furthermore, Navas earns around £200,000-a-week in Paris and for a goalkeeper of his age that wouldn’t have made sense for Forest. For context, Henderson currently collects around £120,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
The Reds are getting themselves a top goalkeeper if they can pull this deal off. At 26, he has years on his side and theoretically, he could become Forest’s stopper for the next 10 years.
Both goalkeepers did a great job with the Reds last season. Choosing Henderson over Navas is a wise decision for Forest, however, and they will hope to get this deal completed quickly.
