Free agent Henderson not a target

JORDAN Henderson is a free agent after leaving Ajax - but talk of a return to Sunderland appears premature.

- By NICK LOUGHLIN

The former Black Cats trainee has left the Dutch giants after the club agreed to terminate his contract.

Henderson, 35, had a year to run on his deal with the Eredivisie runners-up.

And with Sunderland in the midst of an extensive recruitment drive to prepare the squad for the Premier League, Henderson's experience and leadership qualities would be a big boost for the nascent Black Cats squad.

However, it is understood that a red and white reunion with the England midfielder is a fanciful notion and he is not currently under consideration.

There is interest from other Premier League clubs in the former Liverpool skipper.