Chelsea are eyeing a shock move to sign Brentford star Jordan Henderson, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues have had a busy summer window so far, bringing in Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Marco Palestra, and Morgan Rogers for new manager Xabi Alonso, while Alejandro Garnacho, Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, and Tyrique George have all left.
But Alonso is keen to add more experience to his squad, and they have now identified the former Liverpool captain as a top target.
Chelsea Moving for Henderson
Jordan Henderson (England)IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis
According to Romano, Chelsea are leading the race to sign Jordan Henderson as their next midfielder in a surprise deal.
The England international, who was part of the Three Lions squad at the World Cup this summer, has been granted the freedom to leave the Bees on a free transfer during this summer window, after becoming surplus to requirements for Keith Andrews.
Several Premier League clubs are understood to be keen on the 36-year-old, but the former Sunderland man is believed to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge to continue playing at the highest level.
The move comes in the same window that the Blues failed to complete a deal for Sunderland midfield general Granit Xhaka, after being priced out of a deal.
The Swiss star was a top target but the Black Cats had no interest in selling their captain after just 12 months, and Xhaka has since agreed to stay on at the Stadium of Light. Now, Chelsea are looking towards Henderson as an experienced head who can provide competition and depth in central midfield.
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Henderson Deal Would Be Odd
Jordan Henderson in action for Brentford
When he was in his prime, Henderson was a midfielder playing at the top level who could influence games with his leadership and physicality. But at 36, he's not that player anymore, and it showed by the fact he couldn't get in the Brentford team.
Chelsea have got some top midfielders in their squad already, and Henderson simply isn't of that level to really be able to compete with them for a starting spot.
Alongside the surprise news that Chelsea are looking to sign Danny Welbeck for their attack too, it's clear that they are simply looking to add experienced, Premier League-proven options to their squad rather than top, top quality, and it makes Henderson a deal they should be avoiding.
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