Chelsea eye shock transfer for Manchester United goalkeeper

Dean Henderson jointly leads the Golden Glove race this season with 11 Premier League clean sheets while on loan at Sheffield United (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Manchester United are facing a battle to keep Dean Henderson with Chelsea reportedly ready to offer as much as £50million to sign the goalkeeper.

United have opened talks over a new deal for Henderson, who has impressed on loan at Sheffield United this season and jointly leads the Golden Glove race with 11 Premier League clean sheets.

There have been calls for the 23-year-old to be given a chance at first-team action for the Red Devils next season - and that clamour only grew louder after David de Gea's mistake allowed Tottenham to take the lead in United's 1-1 draw in north London on Friday.

However, it is thought that if he stays with the Red Devils, Henderson would most likely go on loan again.

The 23-year-old wants to stake his claim to be England's number one for next summer's postponed Euro finals, and will not be content to sit on the bench as David de Gea's understudy.

So Chelsea have sniffed out a chance to pounce, and are ready to make a serious bid of up to £50m, according to The Sun.

Chelsea would be able to offer Henderson regular first-team football, with doubts persisting over Kepa Arrizabalaga's form amid reports of a rift with boss Frank Lampard.

Lampard's side are also on course to qualify for the Champions League next season, and will be at least four points clear in fourth place if they beat second-bottom Aston Villa on Sunday.

United are also chasing a place in Europe's top club competition, but are under pressure from Sheffield United - who are due to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday - and Wolves.

Whether Henderson extends his United deal or is tempted by a move to Chelsea, it looks like a big pay rise is on the way for the keeper - whose clean sheets tally this term is matched only by that of Burnley's Nick Pope.

But if he is to sign a new contract he will want assurances over his future chances at the club - especially with the form of first-choice keeper De Gea under the spotlight.

Red Devils legend Roy Keane described De Gea as "overrated" following the draw with Tottenham on Friday, and said he was "sick to death" of the Spain keeper's gaffes.

And former Premier League glovesman Mark Schwarzer also criticised De Gea, saying he was making too many errors for a world-class keeper and stating Henderson "has the potential" to be United's No1.