Premier League manager responds to rumours he wants to sign Jordan Henderson and save him from Saudi Arabia nightmare

A Premier League manager has responded to rumours that Jordan Henderson is targeting a return to the English top flight.

During the summer transfer window, then Liverpool captain Henderson ditched the Anfield club as he completed a lucrative move to the Middle East.

The midfielder signed for Saudi Professional League side Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

Henderso was joined at Al Ettifaq by the likes of Demarai Gray, Moussa Dembele and former Reds teammate Georginio Wijnaldum.

However, on Saturday afternoon, it was reported that Henderson wants to leave Saudi Arabia and return to the Premier League.

Speaking after Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino was asked about his club’s chances of signing Henderson.

He responded: “We didn’t talk about names. At the moment we are not talking about players.

“I saw [co-owner] Behdad Eghbali with [co-sporting directors] Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.”

Pochettino added: “I think tomorrow we are going to have a chat. We didn’t talk about names or players. For now we are focusing on players like Andrey Santos.”

Getty

The Chelsea boss also revealed that three players are closing in on a return from injury.

He said: “We are so close with Ben Chilwell, Benoit Badiashile and Carney Chukwuemeka but we need to see every day the evolution.

“Always the risk is really important and seeing how the players perform in the training session.”

Pochettino continued: “All of the players when they go to the session feel they are ready. If you ask they say, ‘I know myself’ – but 99.9 per cent [of the time] they make a mistake. Our opinion is good to see if they are available or not.”

Chelsea will be back in action on Tuesday night as they take on Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.