MATT TURNER is set to be in goal for Nottingham Forest against his old Arsenal team-mates on the opening day of the season.
The 29-year-old USA international is expected to complete his £7million move to Forest on Tuesday with the Gunners in line for a further £3million in add-ons, after Steve Cooper finally resolved his ‘keeper crisis.
Matt Turner is closing in on a move to Nottingham ForestGetty
GettyForest remain hopeful of signing Dean Henderson[/caption]
The Forest boss wanted Turner between the posts at the Emirates instead of current choices Wayne Hennessey – who is carrying a knock – and Turner’s understudy at international level, Ethan Horvath.
However, despite starting the season as Forest’s No.1, Turner will soon have a fight on his hands from Dean Henderson with Cooper still determined to sign the Manchester United and England star.
The Welshman is adamant he needs two top class ‘keepers to compete in the Premier League and has always wanted Henderson to be one of them.
The England goalkeeper was a massive hit on loan at the City Ground last season before tearing his thigh in Forest’s 2-0 win over Leicester City in January.
He was replaced by veteran PSG goalkeeper Kaylor Navas who excelled and played a huge part in Forest avoiding relegation.
Meanwhile, Henderson, 26, went under the knife and underwent surgery which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Henderson has now returned to light training with United.
However, there remains one major stumbling block to his smooth transfer back to the City Ground.
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Despite Henderson’s steady progress, there remains a real threat that the strenuous medical required by Forest risks aggravating his injury and causing more damage.
That is a non-starter for United, who are reluctant to risk a further setback which could return Hendo to square one, facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
It had been assumed United and Forest were at odds over the terms of the goalkeeper’s loan deal being made permanent.
Instead, SunSport understands all parties are sensitive to Henderson’s rehabilitation and are reluctant to risk a physically demanding medical before he has completely healed.
That time frame is difficult to predict but, with all parties keen for Henderson to return to Forest, neither club wants to gamble on the player’s future by insisting on a speedy resolution.
Forest are confident they will get their man closer to the transfer deadline and now have the added security of knowing Turner is in place to start the season.
The USA No.1 also provides Cooper with a level of security for the rest of the season, once Henderson arrives, as the Forest boss looks to any possible injury disruption in such a key position.
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