Ajax are reportedly “close” to a deal for former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson.

Henderson appears to be on his way out of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq only six months after joining the club, who currently sit eighth in their league table and are some 28 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal.

The midfielder could soon see his Middle East nightmare come to an end, however, with The Mirror claiming Ajax believe they are closing in on a deal for the 33-year-old as they look to salvage a poor season of their own. The Dutch giants find themselves a staggering 26 points adrift of PSV Eindhoven and were knocked out the KNVB Cup by amateur side USV Hercules.

Ajax are not the only club showing an interest in Henderson as Juventus also have their eyes on the 2019 Champions League winner, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. It is stated the England international has “jumped to the top of the list” of players the Serie A club are eyeing to strengthen their group.

The article adds dialogue between Juventus and Henderson’s entourage is “well underway”, though an agreement is yet to be found regarding the length of the loan and financial terms. Gazzetta claims the Sunderland-born star would be willing to give up the astronomical sums of money he is earning at present in order to enable a transfer to take place.

Weighing in on the rapid demise of Henderson’s career, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson told Sky Sports there should be no surprise the player’s Al-Ettifaq move has not gone according to plan.

“That’s why he went [money], so it has worked out in a way. Why would it work? [from a footballing point] He is playing in front of 2,000 people. The reason you are going over there is for the money. Money helps you, but it won’t make you happy,” he said.

“When you’re playing at one of the best stadiums in the world, Anfield, every other week… people don’t look at this. He loves football and is a football man. There is a difference between playing in front of 40,000 or 50,000 and 2,000 or 3,000.”

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