Jordan Henderson’s decision to cancel his AFC Ajax contract has been praised by Dan Neil, who hopes it will mark an emotional return to Sunderland.

Jordan Henderson has been asked to complete the circle by returning to Sunderland on an emotional level.

The Black Cats are contemplating an unexpected promotion bid as Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor scored to secure a third straight win, putting Regis Le Bris’ side five points clear at the top of the Championship table. Henderson, who was born on Wearside, left his local club at the age of 20 to join Liverpool, where he has won numerous trophies. The 34-year-old Champions League and Premier League winner has recently been linked with a return to the North East.

Sunderland skipper Dan Neil grew up watching Henderson from the stands and would love to see his hero return to the Stadium of Light to add to the rising sense of optimism as the Black Cats look to end a seven-year absence from the top division. The 22-year-old midfielder feels that Henderson’s recovery is always possible. He said: ‘Jordan is someone I’d love to play with; he’s a top-tier player who has won everything in his career, so he’s welcome to return if he wants. ‘He’s motivated the local lads to keep aiming to be like him.

‘I got in touch with him a few years ago, and we met for coffee. He gave me some wonderful advise, which I have taken to heart. It may be nerve-racking to captain a team with him on it, but it is something I would gladly undertake.’