Watford's inability to move on one of their goalkeepers has been blamed for their failure to sign Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United.
Sources at United claim they did not block a loan move following discussions with Watford, who have Ben Foster, Daniel Bachmann and Rob Elliot to choose from in goal.
However, sources close to Henderson say United were reluctant to let the 24-year-old leave as they would have had to have signed a back-up goalkeeper late on deadline day, so a loan was blocked.
United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said last month he wants three credible 'keepers in his squad for the remainder of the season and Henderson is second choice to David de Gea, with Tom Heaton third in line.
Foster and Bachmann have started a near-equal number of Premier League games this season for Watford, 19th in the table and now managed by Roy Hodgson.
Henderson was identified as an ideal firefighter after his experience of helping Sheffield United stay up two seasons ago. Henderson also started 25 times for United last term.
Newcastle considered an 11th-hour loan move for Henderson and shifted their third-choice 'keeper Freddie Woodman to Bournemouth on loan for the remainder of the season.
Ajax enquired about Henderson in November and preliminary discussions were held about a loan but a move never came close to materialising.
Henderson could make just his third start of the campaign against Middlesbrough in United's FA Cup fourth round tie on Friday. Henderson started in all eight domestic cup matches last season but was absent from the squad for the third round win against Aston Villa.
Henderson was due to start the season as United's No.1 but contracted Covid-19 in the first week of pre-season in July and was not available for selection until mid-September.
