A major Newcastle United update has emerged regarding their pursuit of Dean Henderson heading into the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Chronicle Live reporter Charlie Bennett has revealed that the shot-stopper is expecting a move to go through in the coming weeks, following a meeting with the Magpies earlier this month.

The journalist tweeted: "Understand Dean Henderson is keen on a Newcastle move and has made it known he prefers a permanent transfer to a loan deal. Also told player’s camp believe a deal is “close” after meeting club representatives in Northumberland last week. NUFC."

Eddie Howe will be over the moon

The Toon head coach will be feeling over the moon following this claim for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it shows that the England international is committed to wanting a move to the Tyneside club. Henderson is not looking to join on loan with a view to earning himself a transfer elsewhere or a first-team spot at Old Trafford, which suggests that he is desperate to be at St James' Park in the long-term.

Howe will surely want players who are prepared to be part of a long-term project rather than those who may only see themselves playing for the club for one or two years at most.

Secondly, the Magpies boss will be delighted to learn that a deal is 'close', as it means that PIF are on the verge of sealing their first signing of the summer before the end of May. The owners are being proactive and looking to make moves early, which will give the manager more time to work with new signings to integrate them into the squad ahead of 2022/23.

Finally, Howe will be buzzing because Henderson has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad and challenge Martin Dubravka for his place in the team.

In the Englishman's two Premier League seasons, he has played 49 games and kept 18 clean sheets for Sheffield United and Manchester United combined, averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.94 or higher across both campaigns. This shows that he has the ability to deliver on a consistent basis in the top flight, as he has been able to perform to a high level whilst keeping clean sheets regularly.

He also has the scope to develop even further at the age of 25. Howe can look forward to helping him fulfill his potential on Tyneside and making Henderson his number one for many years to come.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: NUFC can form a deadly duo by signing "outstanding" £34m "rock"...