Manchester United strongly interested in Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson is a product of the Sunderand youth academy and a current Sunderland first team player. He was born on the 17th June 1990 and plays regularly as an attacking midfielder, wearing the number 10 for Sunderland. He featured in the 3-0 victory that Sunderland enjoyed over Chelsea in the 13th matchweek in the 2010/11 season. After this match, he was called up to the England senior squad by Fabio Capello for the friendly match against France. Henderson is hoping to earn his first cap. He has already featured for the Under 19s, Under 20s and Under 21s.

It has been reported that Manchester United are interested in this player, alongside several other teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. A move for this player will probably be made in the January transfer window. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce would like to hold on to the player, but admits that if a big club comes calling for his signature and offers ‘ridiculous money’ it would be hard for Sunderland to resist selling him. Bruce was full of praise for the 20-year old in his comments with the Mirror:

“I sincerely hope we can keep him in the long term. We will try desperately. I am a realist. If one of the big giants come along we will be up against it. If ridiculous money is offered it will be difficult we will face that if it comes.”

“He is a modern day player, is constantly at 13km of running per a match. And he has a spot on attitude, which in this age is quite refreshing. He is only 20, but if you are good enough, you are old enough. I have seen nothing to worry me for him. He is up at the front, a great kid, and fantastic to see. I always have to take him in from training. He does extra shooting practice. He is always last off. Always trying his shooting, taking his free kicks always in the gym. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it. I don’t know his best position. He is a wonderful deliverer of the ball from the right.”

After the match against Chelsea, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson was in contact with him over Henderson. The relationship between Bruce and Ferguson, with the former being an ex-player of United under Ferguson’s management, could prove to be crucial in future negotiations for the player’s signature. Sunderland currently have Danny Welbeck on loan from Manchester United and both clubs enjoy a healthy level of friendship. In an interview reported by News of the World, Steve Bruce stated:

“Only once has Fergie talked about one of my players – that was Antonio Valencia [at Wigan Athletic] – and b****r me he bought him!”

“He is a Sunderland player and a Sunderland lad, and we will do our utmost to keep him but we can never stop speculation. He has huge respect for this football club and he will do the right thing. Jordan has a good grounding.”