Chelsea are reportedly set to make an enquiry for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who has been shining on loan at Sheffield United.

According to a report from the Express, Chelsea are set to ask Manchester United to name their asking price for goalkeeper Dean Henderson as manager Frank Lampard is unhappy with current first-choice custodian Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kepa signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2018, in a deal worth £71 million, becoming the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in the process. However, he has failed to live up to the expectations that came with the tag, especially in the ongoing campaign, when he has been plagued by inconsistency.

A run of poor performances saw Lampard drop the Spaniard from the starting XI in favour of Willy Caballero earlier this year. And while Kepa did make a comeback, he has once again been very unconvincing, with the weekend’s performance against Sheffield United getting added to a string of inconsistent displays.

Lampard, as per the report, has serious concerns over continuing with Kepa as his No. 1 for the next season. With the Blues strengthening the squad already in order to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, the manager sees the goalkeeping issue as something that needs to be addressed this summer.

Will Henderson end up at Chelsea next season? (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Will Henderson end up at Chelsea next season? (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

A move for Ajax star Andre Onana has been mooted strongly in the past months. However, it seems like they have now switched their attention towards Dean Henderson. The 23-year-old, a product of the Manchester United academy, has been out on loan at Sheffield United since 2018 and has thrived at Bramall Lane.

Henderson played a prominent role in the Blades’ promotion to the top-flight and has enjoyed an exceptional campaign in his debut season in the Premier League. In 33 league appearances, the Englishman has let in just 27 goals, managing to keep 13 clean sheets. Only Manchester City’s Ederson and Nick Pope of Burnley have kept more shut-outs.

Henderson’s loan deal expires at the end of the season, when he will return to Manchester United. However, he is unlikely to be guaranteed a starting berth at Old Trafford, with David de Gea the undisputed first-choice. While the Spaniard has made some costly errors this term, he is still a key figure at the club.

While he has stated previously that he wishes to play for Manchester United, he has also insisted that he is open to leaving in search of regular playing opportunities. There is no question that, on current form, he would be a major upgrade on Kepa at Chelsea.

Henderson’s contract at Manchester United runs out in 2022. The Red Devils will have a difficult decision to make this summer regarding him and de Gea. However, it is highly unlikely that they would be willing to let him join a direct rival.

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