BATTLE ON FOR UNITED KEEPER

UNITED are prepared to offer Dean Henderson an improved contract, but the goalkeeper is only prepared to commit if he is promised the No.1 spot.

M.E.N. Sport understands the 23-year-old has already been inundated with offers ahead of next season, but does not expect the Reds to sell him amid the possibility he is appointed their first-choice keeper next season.

Chelsea are among the clubs interested in Henderson, who is contracted to United until 2022 with the club having the option of an additional year. Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is also an admirer.

Henderson has signed improved deals in the last two summers after seasons on loan at Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United, where he will see out the current Premier League term. It is understood Henderson has deliberately agreed shorter contracts so he can keep his short-term options open.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already insisted Henderson will become the United No.1 at some point but the club finalised a four-year deal with David de Gea in September and his back-up Sergio Romero is contracted to United until next year.

De Gea, 28, is under mounting pressure after another error allowed Steven Bergwijn to put Tottenham ahead in United’s Friday night draw and his form has been problematic for upwards of a year.

M.E.N. Sport previously revealed Henderson has no intention of returning to United next season just to compete with De Gea and only wants to return to his parent club if he is promoted ahead of the Spaniard.