Ajax to step up bid to sign Henderson by making offer for ex-Liverpool captain

Ajax are to make an offer to buy Jordan Henderson from Al Ettifaq as they persist in trying to get a deal agreed.

Al Ettifaq are reluctant to let the 33-year-old go and loan proposals have been dismissed.

Henderson flew out to Abu Dhabi on Sunday to join up with his club for a two-week winter training camp.

Club officials are expected to speak to him about the situation that has developed over the last week — following Mail Sport's story that he was seeking a return to Europe — and make it clear that they do not want to do business with anyone.

Henderson, 33, and his young family have found it difficult settling in the Gulf and the England midfielder was aware of interest from a number of European clubs about taking him on loan.

Ajax have pushed hard to secure a deal for Henderson, with caretaker coach John van't Schip confirming their interest following his side's win at Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday.

'I can confirm the club and Henderson are talking,' said Van 't Schip. 'He has to deal with his club now.'

It has been a turbulent campaign for Ajax, who were knocked out of the Dutch Cup before Christmas at amateur side USV Hercules.

The Dutch giants have made it clear that they see Henderson as someone who can transform their fortunes and their interest will not go away, but Juventus also emerged as players in the race last week and there were hopes in Italy that they could be a feasible option.

Juventus, who have also been pursuing Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, want to bring in three midfielders this month and felt Henderson had the perfect profile.

But the idea Al-Ettifaq would simply allow Henderson to leave without a murmur was never realistic. They have no interest in doing business, now or at any stage in January.

Al-Ettif