Dean Henderson could start the season in goal for Manchester United, new reports claim.
A fresh twist to the goalkeeping saga at Old Trafford could see the Cumbrian begin the new Premier League season as first choice.
National newspaper reports claim the Whitehaven keeper starting in goal for Erik Ten Hag's side is a distinct possibility.
It comes as the Red Devils try to seal a deal for Inter Milan's Andre Onana.
The Mail reports that the clubs are still to agree a fee for the Cameroon international.
And that, they say, has led to serious consideration being given to 26-year-old Henderson being retained as their No1.
The west Cumbrian is the subject of strong transfer interest from Nottingham Forest, where he spent last season on loan.
It was claimed earlier this week that the respective parties were locked in talks over a permanent move.
Henderson has in the past criticised his treatment at Man Utd and has been widely tipped to leave the club after 12 years.
But, after David de Gea's departure, the Old Trafford club would need to resolve their goalkeeping transfer situation first.
Should Henderson start the new top-flight campaign - which gets under way for Man Utd against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14 - it would be good news for Carlisle United.
The Blues benefit from their former academy keeper's first-team appearances under the terms of his move from Carlisle back in 2011.
United have already earned money from Henderson's outings for the club, with the keeper having made 29 outings for Man Utd so far.
Carlisle would also be likely to benefit from a big-money permanent departure through a sell-on clause.
But United chief executive Nigel Clibbens recently said such proceeds would not be "transformational" to the club.
He said the Blues' percentage was "small" and added: "The amount we earn is based on profit we get on the deals.
"Since Henderson has been playing at Man Utd, we’ve been earning cash when he plays.
"So for us to get any money it would have to be profit on the deal to Man Utd, and then our share has to be more than what we’ve already had, so that reduces it even more."
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