Crystal Palace ‘working to agree Dean Henderson deal’ amid exodus fears
Crystal Palace are planning to accelerate contract talks with Dean Henderson between now and the end of the season to ward off any suitors.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Palace view Henderson being their number one for the foreseeable future.
Henderson has been in line for a new deal at Selhurst Park since his heroics in their FA Cup final victory against Man City, where he saved Omar Marmoush‘s penalty.
Since then, he has continued to pull off outstanding saves under Oliver Glasner, including a late stop to deny Timothy Castagne in Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
The 28-year-old’s current contract is set to run until 2028, but Palace are keen to reward him for his fine form and extend his stay in South London.
Crystal Palace plan to agree new Dean Henderson contract
Last season, Brown told Football Insider that Man United would not pursue Henderson, rubbishing any speculation of a return to his boyhood club.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, warned that the England international will have top-level suitors given his impressive displays.
“Crystal Palace want to keep Henderson,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s become a crucial part of what they’re doing there, and it goes back to what I’ve said before about Palace wanting to keep their best players.
“They’re working hard to keep that spine of the team together, because they’re worried about losing a few key players, and he’s a big part of that.
“He made two blinding saves in the game against Tottenham, and another against Fulham.
“Henderson has come on as a goalkeeper no end since leaving Man United and joining Palace, he has really upped his game and become a fantastic option.
“Not just for Palace but for England, his form can only be a massive positive.
“From what I hear, he’s very happy at Palace and with the success they’ve had there, so I think keeping him on a new contract is something they’ll push to get done.”
Crystal Palace make January transfer plans
While keeping their best players at the club remains a priority for the Eagles, they are determined to strengthen their squad heavily in January.
The Eagles have already completed their first signing of the window in a club-record £35million deal to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham.
Now, they are preparing for further additions as they aim to back Glasner for another successful season, despite doubts about his future at the club.
Football Insider revealed in August that Glasner was left frustrated at Crystal Palace as a result of their slow start to the summer transfer window.
Since then, the boss has made clear his desire to strengthen his squad in the mid-season window if he is to lead Palace to further success after their FA Cup victory.
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