European giants eye surprise loan move for Jordan Henderson - report

Juventus are the latest side to voice an interest in signing Al Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson, according to several reports.

90min revealed earlier this month that Henderson is unsettled in Saudi Arabia and he could confirm his desire to leave the club when he meets with Ettifaq officials, including manager Steven Gerrard, this week.

The former Liverpool captain has suitors in the Premier League, while Eredivisie side Ajax are also known admirers, and now Juventus appear to have joined the race for Henderson's signature.

As per the report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, which was later backed up by Sky in Italy, Juventus have made contact with Henderson to voice their interest in a loan deal, with manager Massimiliano Allegri understood to have already approved the move.

It is claimed that Henderson is demanding any loan contract lasts 18 months - a request which could prove problematic for Juventus, who are also considering Udinese's Lazar Samardzic and Atalanta's Ederson as midfield targets.

Sources have told 90min that a loan exit for Henderson is more likely than a permanent sale this month, but Ettifaq are determined to ensure their finances are protected in any possible departure.

Suitors would have to pay Henderson's wages in full, even if the 33-year-old agrees to lower his salary to facilitate a return to Europe, while Ettifaq would also demand a loan fee on top to help them bolster their squad.

Should any club wish to sign Henderson permanently, they would have to offer Ettifaq the chance to make a profit. After all costs, including transfer fee, wages and relocation costs, a fee close to £20m would be needed.

Ettifaq are exploring possible replacements for Henderson, with Saudi international Abdulelah Al-Malki on the radar alongside Seko Fofana of Al Nassr, but their current priority is to keep hold of the former Liverpool captain.

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