Liverpool Agree on First Summer Signing: £20 Million Midfielder Henderson

Liverpool announced today that they have agreed on a fee with fellow Premier League side Sunderland for the permanent transfer of England midfielder Jordan Henderson. Although no fee has formally been announced by either club, it has been reported that the total outlay of the Reds could be up to £20 million.

Just barely four months after the Merseyside club raided the black-and-white half of the North-East for club-record signing £35 million striker Andy Carroll, Liverpool have returned to the same area of England to raid Sunderland for one of the country's brightest prospects in 20-year-old Henderson.

Capped once last season by England, Henderson can play in either a central or wide right midfield role and is known for his terrific work-rate and stamina, as well as his good eye for a pass. He also enjoys making bursting runs into the box to support his attack and registered three goals from his thirty-seven league appearances this term—missing just one league game all season.

Henderson had been linked with a move to either Liverpool or Manchester United for the best part of two months, and Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli have moved quickly to secure the services of the young midfielder as Liverpool look to get their summer business over as quickly as possible—especially with Henderson due to link up with England's Under 21 outfit for the summer tournament in the next few days.

The Reds' bid of around £16 million was rejected a couple of days ago, but after further negotiations, Sunderland have now accepted an improved offer. Henderson was at Melwood today to undergo his Anfield medical and agree on personal terms with the club.

With one signing seemingly already in the bag, the signs are encouraging that owners FSG will stick to their word and spend as needed to improve the team, with a special focus on young English players.

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