Dean Henderson is the subject of "intensified" interest from Newcastle United, according to new reports.

The future of Manchester United's Cumbrian goalkeeper remains the subject of continued speculation.

And The Mirror have reported that long-standing suitors Newcastle remain very keen on the Whitehaven star.

They say Magpies manager Eddie Howe regards Henderson, 25, as an ideal successor to current Newcastle No1 Martin Dubravka.

Henderson - who was at Bramall Lane on Saturday to watch former loan club Sheffield United's Championship play-off game against Nottingham Forest - has been forced to play second fiddle to David de Gea at Old Trafford this season.

After the Spaniard reclaimed his place following Henderson's delayed start to the campaign due to Covid, the Cumbrian has made just three first-team appearances.

The England international was close to a January move, with Newcastle strongly linked, but remained with the Red Devils.

This summer, though, could be a different matter with the former Carlisle United academy player keen to return to first-team football to reignite his Premier League career and his international prospects.

Carlisle, meanwhile, will be on alert for any big-money transfer with the Blues standing to benefit from a sell-on clause, following Henderson's move from Brunton Park to Old Trafford in 2011.

The goalkeeper's affection for the Blues was underlined recently when Henderson sponsored the match ball for the 1994/5 v 2005/6 legends game at Brunton Park.

READ MORE: Ex-Carlisle United keeper extends stay with the Blues' League Two rivals.