Jordan Henderson reacts to Jobe Bellingham Sunderland AFC message amid transfer links | OneFootball

Jordan Henderson has responded to Jobe Bellingham's message post-Sheffield United amid transfer links away from Sunderland.

Jobe Bellingham is one of the EFL's most exciting young players as the Sunderland midfielder impresses consistently for a team vying for promotion from the Championship, with Jordan Henderson impressed at his performances in a red and white shirt.

Sunderland are a club who have been praised for their recent work at the Academy of Light, with players like Chris Rigg, Dan Neil and Tommy Watson making an impact on the first-team. In recent times, Jordan Pickford and Henderson are the two most prosperous talents to have departed the North East club, with both making an impact on the international stage.

Youth recruitment has also been key for the Black Cats, who have fielded the youngest side in the league (22.4) for the third successive season. Bellingham is one of those continuing to impress this term. Because of older brother Jude and the fact he has been a key player at the Stadium of Light for some time now, clubs are always likely to have eyes on him as well.

The player is destined for big things, joining Sunderland last summer for a fee believed to be £1.5 million, as per the Daily Mail. He also signed a new contract with Sunderland in the most recent summer, extending his stay with the Wearsiders until 2028.

Jordan Henderson reacts to Jobe Bellingham Sheffield United performance

Bellingham has been one of the standout performers for Sunderland this season, with the teenager becoming one of the most desired players in the Championship. His latest performance against Sheffield United showcased more of his talents as a developing all-round midfielder.

While Anthony Patterson and Mayenda were undoubtedly the standouts of the win, it was another strong display from Bellingham who toughed it out against one of the best midfields in the division. He took to Instagram to celebrate it and said: "Crucial win, massive team effort. Nothing but a pleasure to play here, in front of the best.❤️🤍".

In the midst of plenty of transfer speculation regarding Bellingham's future, Henderson responded to that, with the Ajax midfielder and teammate of Jude stating: "👏🔥".

The 19-year-old was subject to interest from Brentford in the summer, with Thomas Frank's side having bids turned down for the Sunderland star in the transfer window. The likes of Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, who Jobe's older brother Jude has both played for, are reportedly interested in a move for the Sunderland man. Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly keen, as per The Sunderland Echo.

Jordan Henderson linked with Sunderland return

Henderson made a significant impact for the club during a successful spell for the club in the Premier League before departing for Liverpool in a reported £20 million deal, although it was one which was highly profitable for the Wearsiders.

The January window already feels like it's going to shape up to be a crucial one for Sunderland in their bid to earn promotion, and they've been linked with a mid-season boost in the form of a potential return for Henderson, who started his career on Wearside and has enjoyed storied success at the highest echelons of the game.

It has been reported by Football Insider that the Black Cats are preparing to make a move to sign the 34-year-old in the January transfer window. Various reports had previously claimed that Henderson, who was out of favour under Ajax boss Francesco Farioli at the start of the season, was open to a sensational return to his boyhood club, and that Sunderland themselves were running the rule over the move.

They would benefit greatly from his leadership and experience. He has been there and done it, and his professionalism and know-how would rub off on his teammates. However, they must also retain all of their current star players, which includes Bellingham.

Sky Sports have reported that he is valued at €25 million (approximately £20.73m) by Sunderland, but the club are keen to hold on to the player past January. He and Sunderland need more support for him than to allow any further key players to depart a la Jack Clarke.