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Topics: Liverpool, Jordan Henderson, Premier League, Transfers, Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Liverpool, Jordan Henderson, Premier League, Transfers, Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League
Jordan Henderson will not feature in Liverpool's opening pre-season friendly as talks continue over a potential move to Saudi Pro League side Al Etiffaq.
Multiple journalists claim Henderson, 33, has not been left out of Liverpool's squad for their match against German second division side Karlsruher on Wednesday.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Henderson has not travelled with the rest of the squad as negotiations continue between Liverpool and Al Etiffaq, who are now managed by former Reds captain Steven Gerrard.
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"Jordan Henderson will NOT be in Liverpool squad for their 1st pre season friendly this evening against Karlsruher SC," tweeted Romano.
"Understand Henderson didn't travel to the game with the team despite being with them in camp as talks between #LFC and Al Ettifaq continue."
Reports claim Henderson could quadruple his salary to £700,000 per week if he moves to the Saudi Pro League, with Al Etiffaq ready to offer him a three-year contract.
Liverpool are unwilling to allow their club captain to move for cheap and are expected to demand at least £20m for the England international, with talks ongoing between the two clubs.
The Guardian claim Henderson has already given a 'verbal agreement' to Al Ettifaq and is prepared to end his 12-year stay at Anfield.
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Henderson is not the only Liverpool midfielder being linked with a move to a Saudi Arabia, with Fabinho also the subject of interest from Al Hilal.
The Saudi club have submitted a £40m bid for the Brazilian, who still has three years left on his deal at Anfield.
Unlike Henderson, Fabinho did not travel with the rest of the squad for their pre-season training camp in Germany and is expected to move on this summer.
Should Henderson and Fabinho both leave, Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to sign further midfield reinforcements having already brought Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to the club in the current transfer window.
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Several names have been linked with a move to Anfield including Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, Nice's Khephren Thuram and PSG star Marco Verratti.