WANDERERS might need a favour from Manchester United as they look to improve their goalkeeping situation next season.

The Whites want Blades keeper Jake Eastwood – a deal which might move faster if the Premier League club are given permission to keep Dean Henderson for another year.

David De Gea’s Wembley errors in the FA Cup semi-final has sparked speculation that Henderson could soon be brought back to Old Trafford as the number one but Chris Wilder is keen to retain his services.

"Dean and Man United know our views on that," said the Sheffield United boss.

"We have already started talking to the player and Manchester United. We respect their decision and the boy's decision but we would love to extend that for another season."

Wanderers have youngster Matt Alexander on the books and are set to bring in veteran Matt Gilks, who is also able to offer back-up in an emergency.

Eastwood is seen as a possible first-choice option next season but it is currently unclear whether he will be given a new contract at Bramall Lane, and loaned out, or whether he will be cut adrift.

The 6ft 4ins stopper spent time on loan at Scunthorpe United last season but also faces competition from Simon Moore, Michael Verrips and new Blades signing Wes Foderingham to even gain a place on the bench next season.

Explaining his decision to sign Foderingham from Rangers, Wilder admitted there were changes afoot in his goalkeeping department.

"Wes was available,” he said. “In conjunction with Darren Ward (goalkeeper coach) we needed to strengthen that department and a free transfer, three-year contract, it's a good bit of business.

"They’ll be a couple of changes in that department going forward."

Eastwood has been with Sheffield United since the age of 10 and made his first team debut for the club in 2017 during a League Cup game against Walsall. He has also had league loan experience at Chesterfield and a clutch of other non-league clubs before a move to Scunthorpe last July.

The 23-year-old made 16 appearances for the Iron last season before being recalled by his parent club in January but seems unlikely to get a look-in at first team level.

Wanderers’ academy graduate Alexander got his first taste of senior football at the start of last season, keeping a memorable clean sheet against the eventual League One champions, Coventry City.

He spent the rest of the season as understudy to Remi Matthews – who has backed the Newcastle-born youngster to push on this season.

Matt is a great kid, down to earth, fantastic attitude to training, hasn’t got a bad bone in his body,” he told The Bolton News. “He works hard in the gym, does the right things off the pitch, listens to advice from senior players and I think he’s improved massively in the last 12 months.

“That all came with playing games, getting that exposure to a first team environment and all that builds your confidence.

“As a young goalkeeper in a senior environment it is not easy at all to keep improving because, normally, you are up against a more experienced competitor and the vast majority of football you play is on the training ground, or in reserve games.

“Going out on loan is a good option, it’s one I certainly have used in my career, and it can be really beneficial.

“But no matter where I go from here – I hope Matt does well and if he ever needed any advice, feel free to contact me any time.”