Aston Villa 'could make move' to sign Dean Henderson as Emi Martinez replacement
Aston Villa have identified Crystal Palace star Dean Henderson as an option as they pursue a replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
Villa are preparing to lose Martinez, 33, who has been keen to leave Villa Park for a while and now looks to be edging closer to an agreement with Juventus.
The recruitment department has been assessing a number of potential replacements ahead of his potential departure as they hope to have a deal lined up before letting him go.
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Henderson could be on Unai Emery's radar after his outstanding performances for Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old was instrumental in winning the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League under Oliver Glasner, and is now the Eagles' club captain.
Crystal Palace will be extremely reluctant to keep their star man, and while he is on Aston Villa's radar, it is uncertain whether they will make a move.
Could Aston Villa make a move for Dean Henderson?
Brown told Football Insider on 16 June that Aston Villa are finally ready to let Martinez leave, although the deal will have to be at a price that works for them.
Emery has been reluctant to lose his star goalkeeper given the important role he has placed in the recent success at Villa Park, both domestically and in Europe.
However, preparations are underway to land a new shot-stopper, with multiple options now being considered, and Henderson firmly on their radar.
"Aston Villa are going to need a new goalkeeper," Brown told Football Insider.
"If Martinez is going to move on as we expect he will, then they're going to need somebody to come in and replace him, and that won't be an easy job at all considering his quality.
"They've been working behind the scenes to identify players who could fit that bill, and Dean Henderson is somebody who has come onto their radar in recent years.
"He's been excellent for Crystal Palace over the last couple of years and now has that experience of winning tophies with the FA Cup and Conference League.
"He has been a big part in that success for Palace, so I'm sure they won't want to let him go and will be making efforts to keep him around.
"But if there's any indication he might become available, Villa are among a number of clubs who could make a move. Whether they will do that, I'm not sure, but he's certainly on their radar."
How do Crystal Palace feel about losing Dean Henderson?
Despite Aston Villa emerging as suitors for Henderson, he remains a crucial part of Crystal Palace's ambitious plans to build on their recent trophy-laiden success.
Villa are not the first club to show an interest in the England international, who is currently at the World Cup, as Tottenham and Man United have also eyed him recently.
However, Football Insider revealed last month that Crystal Palace are determined to keep Henderson and are hopeful of extending his contract in the near future.
The 29-year-old recently changed agents and is now represented by Unique Sports Group, an agency with which Palace have a strong working relationship.
Henderson has enjoyed another outstanding season at Selhurst Park, and the club are keen to keep him around ahead of a crucial summer following Pierre Sage's arrival.