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Forest locked in talks to sign No. 1 target Dean Henderson – as club also target second goalkeeper

Dean Henderson wants to leave Manchester United
Dean Henderson was Forest’s first-choice keeper during last season’s loan deal until he was injured – Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

Nottingham Forest are locked in talks with Manchester United over a deal for Dean Henderson and are also considering a move for Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Forest wants to sign two new goalkeepers this summer and England international Henderson remains their No. 1 target if an acceptable fee can be agreed.

Henderson spent last season on loan at the City Ground and is ready to end his 12-year association with United this summer.

The 26-year-old joined United’s academy at the age of 14 but is now prepared for a new challenge after failing to make a first-team appearance since Feb 2022.

Negotiations between United and Forest have been complicated by the uncertainty over the future of David De Gea, who announced his decision to leave earlier this week, but talks remain ongoing.

Henderson managed six clean sheets in 18 Premier League matches before sustaining a thigh injury in January, and is now believed to be closing in on his return.

He will continue his rehabilitation at United’s training base with the squad flying out to Oslo for Wednesday’s friendly against Leeds.

Forest are targeting a second goalkeeping addition for the upcoming season and Wolves’ Sa has been discussed as a potential option as Henderson may not be ready for the season’s start.

Wolves'  Jose Sa makes a save against Chelsea but his club is ready to move him on

Wolves are prepared to listen to offers for Jose Sa – Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Sa, the Portugal international, played under Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis at Olympiacos for three years and it is understood that Wolves will sanction his sale.

Forest and Wolves have held initial discussions for the 30-year-old, who costs around £6 million in July 2021.

Forest have stepped up their pursuit of goalkeepers as Wayne Hennessey and Ethan Horvath are both currently injured, leaving Steve Cooper with only the inexperienced George Shelvey between the posts.

Hennessey is expected to miss the start of the season after sustaining a knee injury while on international duty with Wales last month.

To increase Forest’s temporary problems in the goalkeeping department, Horvath is also recovering from an injury picked up in the Championship play-off final for Luton Town, where he spent last season on loan. However, Horvath should be fit for next week’s training camp in Spain.

Forest are also working on potential departures, with Jonjo Shelvey, Remo Freuler, Emmanuel Dennis, Sam Surridge and Steve Cook available for transfer.

Surridge has interest from clubs in Major League Soccer while midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté and Dennis have options in Saudi Arabia.

Forest fly out to Spain this weekend after the friendly against Notts County on Saturday.

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