Ajax coach confirms interest in Jordan Henderson

Ajax manager John van't Schip has confirmed Ajax's intention of signing wantaway former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

Henderson joined Saudi Arabia side Al-Ettifaq in the summer on what was reported as a £700,000-per-week contract, reuniting with fellow former Reds skipper Steven Gerrard in the Middle East.

However, after going winless in two months, doing so in front of sparse crowds in the relentless Arabian heat, Henderson already wants out.

Ajax are prepared to offer him that escape, who themselves are seeking to emerge from a nightmarish season.

"There is serious talk going on with Henderson," Van't Schip said. "He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia.

"It could be a nice match. It's no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that."

According to ESPN, Ajax are only keen on signing Henderson permanently and are not open to a loan move, hoping to bring in the England midfielder for a small transfer fee.

They will reportedly have to fend off new interest from Juventus, with Gazzetta dello Sport saying that Henderson has jumped to the top of the Old Lady's wish list.

Any permanent move away will leave Liverpool with a sizeable cash windfall, with Henderson's Al-Ettifaq contract having a sell-on clause.

However, Ettifaq are reportedly reluctant to see the midfielder depart as it could affect the reputation of not only the club but also the league.