Ten Hag held talks over surprise move before landing key Man Utd target in January

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag held talks over a surprise recall for goalkeeper Dean Henderson ahead of bringing Jack Butland to Old Trafford on loan in January.

United loaned Henderson out at the beginning of the summer, with the 25-year-old shot-stopper keen for more first team football.

He certainly found that at the City Ground, making 20 appearances in all competitions thus far for Steve Cooper's side.

Henderson helped Forest to a Carabao Cup semi-final, where they face United in the second leg tonight after losing 3-0 in the first leg.

The goalkeeper is ineligible for both legs, but is injured regardless, and is expected to miss around four to five weeks of action.

After his injury, Forest dipped into the market and sealed a stunning loan move for PSG shot-stopper Keylor Navas on deadline day.

The Costa Rican international will deputise for Henderson, and if he performs well, could replace the United 'keeper for the remainder of the season upon his return from injury.

New reports have now claimed that the 25-year-old could have been back at Old Trafford this month.

Ten Hag wanted Henderson Man Utd recall

According to Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag held a video call with Henderson to gauge whether the goalkeeper wanted to cut short his loan spell at Forest. It is said to be the first time the pair had spoken with each other.

United lost the services of fellow stopper Martin Dubravka in January, with Newcastle deciding to end the Slovakian's temporary deal at Old Trafford.

It is unclear whether Henderson was eyed as Dubravka's effective replacement, but the MEN claim that Ten Hag felt the England international's loan at Forest was 'counter-productive' because of how many goals Cooper's side have conceded this term.

Henderson is said to have told the United boss that he wanted to stay at the City Ground, and learning from a seasoned campaigner like Navas for the rest of the season will surely benefit him as he looks to reclaim the gloves at Forest.

United, meanwhile, went on to seal a loan deal with an option to buy for Butland, who last played for England in 2018.