Article body analysed

All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Nottingham Forest have been told to not to sign Jordan Henderson as they prepare for their first European campaign in 29 years. talk SPORT co-hosts Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor believe the 35-year-old's best days are behind him, with an emotional return to Sunderland their preferred next move for the player. Henderson is approaching the final 12 months of his contract at Dutch giants Ajax, who he captains. But talk SPORT understands that newly-promoted Sunderland are looking to bring their academy graduate back to the Stadium of Light - 14 years after he left to join Liverpool in a £20million deal. It's believed that the England international is open to linking up with the Black Cats in what would be a return to England - two years after he departed Anfield for Saudi Arabia. Henderson was even in the stands at Wembley to watch Sunderland beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final. Sunderland are keen on adding Premier League experience to their squad in their first campaign back in the top-flight since being relegated in 2017. However, recent reports have suggested that Forest are eyeing up a swoop for the veteran midfielder as they prepare to compete in the UEFA Conference League. The third-tier European competition will represent Forest's first time plying their trade across the continent since playing in the UEFA Cup in the 1995/96 season. But boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been urged to avoid a move for Liverpool's most decorated captain. Forest's rumoured interest in Henderson was brought up on the Sports Breakfast Show. However, Brazil, who won the UEFA Cup and FA Cup on two occasions, was against the potential transfer, as he said: "I don't want to have a go at Jordan. "Because Jordan, when he first went [to Liverpool], I think Kenny [Dalglish] bought him, when he first went to Anfield, people weren't that sure, and then he proved them wrong. "But he's 35 now, I think Forest. .. no. Not for me. He's had a brilliant career, not now. " It was the same opinion shared by Agbonlahor, who wants to see the 2019 Champions League winner back on Wearside. Having his say on a move to the City Ground, he echoed Brazil's thoughts by first saying: "Not for me no. " Before adding: "I'm not sure the Premier League will suit him now. "I get the Sunderland one. He's a Sunderland lad, I get that. But apart from that, I don't think he's making the cut. " Brazil then interjected, as he remarked: "That'd be ideal for him, Sunderland. "Play [for] Sunderland in the Premier League and enjoy it. "I'm not saying it's his last season, because he loves his football, but he'll probably go into coaching, won't he? "I think Sunderland's the perfect move for him. " Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal striker and former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has called on the club to bring Henderson back. He told talk SPORT last month: "Well, I had it from the day Jordan left and Liverpool paid us £20m back in the day that there was a big wide door open for him any time he wanted to come back. "Obviously, it's not my business to do anything but just comment on that. But wouldn't it be something else? "I think he's been a credit to the game, his hard work and his team play. He's a real sort of driver. "He went up to Liverpool, that first year was really tough and a year later, Jordan turned it all around and he was a huge influence. "To see him lift that Champions League trophy, I think made everybody in Sunderland very proud. " Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don't miss any of the action. *Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talk SPORT affiliate revenue © 2025 talk SPORT Limited

Registered in England No. 2806093. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF

talk SPORT is a registered trade mark of Wireless Group Media (GB) Limited.

This service is provided on talk SPORT Limited's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy.