Bristol City are in pole position to capture Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan, according to a reliable football journalist.

Alan Nixon is reporting that Bristol City narrowly lead Stoke City in the race to land Henderson in a temporary deal due to the fact that the Potters have not yet found a buyer for Jack Butland.

Butland is currently away with the England national squad at the World Cup, which has put talks about his future on hold.

This has pushed Bristol City to the front of the queue in pursuit of the 21-year-old, who earlier signed a new deal with the Red Devils amid interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, Olympiacos, Roma and Benfica, as well as newly-promoted Fulham.

But Man United are likely to loan Henderson out next season with David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone and Joel Castro Pereira ahead of him in the pecking order.

The England under-21 stopper impressed at Shrewsbury Town last year, earning a place in the PFA League One Team of the Season after keeping 19 clean sheets and helping his side reach the play-off final.

Leeds United, Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Swansea City have also been credited with an interest but it appears that Bristol City are heading the chase.

The Verdict

Henderson would be an excellent loan signing for Bristol City, providing competition for Frank Fielding and probably replacing him between the sticks.

After standing out as the best goalkeeper in the third tier, the youngster is likely to be more than good enough to star in the Championship and recently-relegated duo Stoke and Swansea should consider him if their respective keepers Butland and Lukasz Fabianski depart.

Leeds need to put their name in the hat to solve their goalkeeper crisis, Villa could use him as a cheap replacement for Johnstone and the Blades need to consider a move if Jamal Blackman's deal falls through.

Leeds, Aston Villa, Bristol City, Stoke, Swansea and Sheffield United fans - Would you like to win the race to sign Henderson? What do you make of this latest update? Let us know below...