Bruce desperate to keep hold of Henderson

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce admits he is giving his best to keep promising midfielder Jordan Henderson at the club for as long as possible.

Manchester United currently lead the race for the England Under-21 international, but Chelsea and City are also in the mix.

While admitting he faces a tough job, Steve Bruce says he will do everything to persuade Henderson to remain at Stadium of Light for at least few more seasons.

“I think Jordan has signed three contracts since I’ve been here. And I will give him another 33 if I have to.

“Almost as soon as I came here I knew that the lad was a special player. That is why I immediately signed him up on a long-term deal. It is all geared to Jordan’s future success.

“We will do whatever we have to do in terms of contracts to make sure that he is looked after.

“As a club we want to help develop him as far as we can. He can best do that by playing regularly.”

“All the top clubs including Manchester United are aware of him now that he has played for England but I honestly believe his career will be best served by first learning his trade in the Sunderland first team rather than sitting on the subs bench at a big club where he doesn’t get regular starts.

[Source: Sunday Mirror]