West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone's departure could open the door for Manchester United's Dean Henderson to exit Old Trafford, as per a report from Sky Sports.

29-year-old Johnstone looks set to leave The Hawthorns on the expiration of his contract in the summer with little chance of the Baggies managing to force their way into the promotion mix now after enduring an underwhelming season so far.

This could open the door to United and Tottenham Hotspur, the two sides thought to be battling it out for the England international's signature, though the former could hold the advantage at this stage after seeing him rise through their youth ranks at Old Trafford earlier in his career.

An agreement for him could potentially push Henderson to number three in the pecking order behind the Albion shot-stopper and David De Gea, potentially allowing Ralf Rangnick's successor to cash in on the former in the summer.

The Cottagers are one side that are thought to be interested in his services with Alphonse Areola and Nick Pope also thought to be on their shortlist, though the latter's £20m price tag could potentially be a barrier to that deal.

However, they are set to return to the Premier League as they close in on promotion, not just making Pope more affordable but also potentially going a long way in persuading Henderson to join the west London outfit if they pursue an agreement for his services.

The Verdict:

For Johnstone's sake, a move to United at this stage wouldn't be a good idea because he still has plenty left in the tank as a goalkeeper at 29, arguably in the peak of his career now considering his age.

Not only this - but he will have ambitions of getting on the England plane to the 2022 World Cup later this year, making his summer transfer decision a particularly important one for him as he looks to fend off competition from the likes of Pope, Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale.

At this stage though, Ramsdale looks nailed on to be part of Gareth Southgate's squad after establishing himself as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium, potentially leaving just one spot free for many English shot-stoppers to compete for.

Henderson is one man who should be relishing this potential West Brom, United and Fulham saga because Johnstone sitting on the bench at Old Trafford would go on to harm the 29-year-old's chances of forcing his way into Southgate's thoughts.

And if the current Man United keeper and Sheffield United loanee can get some game time under his belt at Craven Cottage in the top tier, he will have every chance of stealing that third goalkeeping spot with injuries also having the potential to boost his chances.