NEWCASTLE UNITED will make a new move for Dean Henderson when the transfer window reopens, with Eddie Howe having identified the goalkeeping position as one of the key areas he wants to strengthen this summer.

While Martin Dubravka has performed impressively since returning to Newcastle’s starting side in late November, Howe is understood to be concerned at the lack of competition for the Slovakian within the current squad.

Karl Darlow was dropped from the starting side in order to accommodate Dubravka’s return and has not been involved since, while Freddie Woodman struggled in the opening four matches of the season under Steve Bruce and has been unable to break into Bournemouth’s first team since joining the Cherries on loan in January.

Newcastle officials investigated signing Henderson on loan in January, but negotiations with Manchester United were swiftly concluded when the Old Trafford club raised the possibility of Dubravka moving in the opposite direction.

A renewed approach is anticipated this summer, although Newcastle will look to sign Henderson on a permanent basis rather than attempt to discuss another loan deal.

Henderson, a full England international, is understood to be frustrated at his lack of first-team involvement at Manchester United this season, with David de Gea firmly established as the club’s number one.

The 25-year-old was preferred to de Gea on a number of occasions last season, and entered the current campaign with high hopes of replacing the Spaniard as Manchester United’s first-choice option.

Instead, his senior involvement this season has been restricted to three cup appearances and he did not feature in the England squad selected by Gareth Southgate last week for the forthcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.

The shot-stopper’s current contract does not expire until the summer of 2025, so Manchester United are in a strong position when it comes to setting an asking price.

However, provided Newcastle remain in the top-flight this season, as now looks likely following their recent good run of form, the club’s Saudi Arabia-backed owners will look to support Howe as he embarks on another spending spree.

Arsenal’s Bernd Leno and West Brom’s Sam Johnstone have been mentioned as potential goalkeeping alternatives, but Henderson is understood to be Newcastle’s preferred option for the position by some distance.

Newcastle’s first-team squad are currently at a training camp in Dubai, with Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier both having travelled to the Middle East as they continue to step up their respective rehabilitation programmes. It is hoped that both players will be able to make first-team returns before the end of next month.