Newcastle United are in talks to bring in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan until the end of the season.
The MEN understands that a move has not been finalised, but work is progressing on a deal that would see Newcastle cover Henderson's £110,000-per-week wages, as well as a loan fee to United.
Newcastle were prepared to sign Henderson on a permanent basis if they could have also negotiated a loan move for his United teammate Jesse Lingard. A Premier League club is only allowed to loan in one player from another club in the division.
Henderson has failed to oust David de Gea as United's number on this season, with the Spaniard arguably being United's best performer so far during this campaign.
Newcastle currently sit in the relegation zone in the Premier League, in 18th place.
This past year, the north east club were taken over by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and have already spent a combined £37million on Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood this month.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe has spoken on his goalkeeper options at the club, suggesting that he isn't satisfied with the situation.
Although they are well stocked between the posts, with Karl Darlow, Martin Dubravka, Mark Gillespie and Freddie Woodman all vying for the number one spot, the club have conceded more goals than every other team except for Norwich this season.
When asked about the goalkeepers, Howe said: "In terms of the goalkeepers we have got a really talented group of keepers.
"It was unfortunate that both the experienced goalkeepers were injured.
"And it probably meant that opportunities for one of the younger guys to go on loan was then potentially stopped.
"That is something we will evaluate in January because we don't want to harm anyone's development."
Dubravka regained his No.1 status in November after Woodman started the first four games of the season while the Slovak was injured and Darlow laid low by Covid-19.
It is unclear if United will make an 11th hour move for a back-up goalkeeper, with Tom Heaton likely to become the second choice if Henderson goes.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
