England U-21 international goalkeeper Dean Henderson has signed a new deal with Manchester United that commits him to the Old Trafford club until 2020.
Henderson, 21, impressed on loan at Shrewsbury last season, helping them to the League One play-off final. And the England youth international’s deal would have expired later this month and sensing interest from many clubs, United have wasted no time in securing his future, at least for two more years.
Bristol City were among the many clubs reportedly interested in United’s Henderson, who was named in the PFA’s League One Team of the Year.
The Robbins enjoyed an encouraging start to this past season’s Championship campaign but eventually fell well off the pace, finishing 11th in the table. One particular area Bristol boss Lee Johnson should be looking to improve is his goalkeeping department, considering the fact that they conceded 58 league goals in 2017-18 season.
Now that Henderson has signed a new contract with the Red Devils, here are three alternatives Bristol should consider this summer.
Jamal Blackman (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s Jamal Blackman spent the past campaign on loan at Sheffield United, where he made 33 appearances as the Blades clinched a top-half finish.
The 6ft 6in stopper largely impressed for United and as per reports, Blackman wants to return to Bramall Lane this summer.
Bristol City should consider hijacking the deal and lure Blackman away from Chelsea to Ashton Gate. Having gained solid experience from spending time on loan at Middlesbrough, Ostersunds, Wycombe and Sheffield, Blackman is ready for the next big move in his career and Bristol should approach Chelsea for the player as quickly as possible.
Angus Gunn (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s Angus Gunn spent last season on loan at Norwich and established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in the Championship.
Considering the same, Bristol City should try to make a move for the 22-year-old Manchester City ace.
Although Frank Fielding impressed for Bristol in certain aspects, the Robbins clearly need a commanding and quality player between the sticks next season. That being said, Gunn surely has the quality to solve Bristol’s goalkeeping conundrum next season.
Alex Cairns (Fleetwood Town)
Alex Cairns had an inconsistent campaign with Fleetwood Town but there is no doubting his talent and potential.
Prior to this season, Cairns established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in League One, helping Fleetwood Town reach the play-offs in the 2016-17 campaign. Earlier this campaign, the 25-year-old made an incredible triple reaction save against Northampton Town.
Fleetwood Town will not want to lose Cairns but he is a young, solid, English goalkeeper who would compete with Fielding at Bristol.