HENDERSON LEAVES AJAX AND FOREST MOVE IS RUMOURED

REPORTED Nottingham Forest target Jordan Henderson has been released by Dutch side Ajax.

- By KEITH WALES

That could pave the way for a free transfer to the City Ground - that is, if the Reds are actually interested.

It was last month when the Daily Mail claimed that Forest, Marseille and several other European clubs were "keen" and "keeping a close eye" on the 35-year-old outgoing Ajax skipper and former Liverpool favourite.

The England midfielder had a year to run on his deal with the Eredivisie runners-up but a club statement read: "Jordan Henderson is leaving Ajax.

"The club has cooperated with the player's request to terminate the current employment contract, (which) now ends immediately."

Henderson told the club's website: "To play for this club was an honour in itself.

"To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so.

"My family and I were made to feel so welcome, not just by the club but also in the wonderful city of Amsterdam. We will always be grateful for that.

"Due to the tragic events of last week and the devastating loss of my former teammate Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, it doesn't feel right at this moment to say or do more than share this brief statement."

Henderson moved to Ajax after a brief stay in Saudi Arabia in January 2024, since when he has played 57 times, including 45 last term as the Amsterdam outfit crumbled with the Dutch title seemingly within their grasp.