Liverpool complete Henderson deal

Henderson hits brace for Sunderland

Liverpool have completed the signing of Jordan Henderson after the midfielder passed a medical and agreed personal terms.

The 20-year-old England international travelled to Liverpool on Wednesday after a fee was agreed with Sunderland.

Henderson, who is the club's first summer signing, signed what the club described as 'a long-term deal'.

The midfielder has now joined the England Under-21 squad in Denmark ahead of the European Championships.

The Black Cats had rejected Liverpool's previous offer for the player, which was thought to be worth £16m.

Striker David Ngog, 22, could move in the opposite direction as part of the deal, but that is yet to be confirmed.

Henderson will provide competition in the Reds' midfield, which already boasts internationals Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn was full of praise for Henderson: "Jordan is a credit to himself, his family and Sunderland's Academy and everyone here wishes him the very best for the future.

"I'm pleased that we got the deal to a level that we felt was right for our club.

"We know the areas that need strengthening and the type of player we need in order to progress, and the job of bringing those players to the club is continuing at a pace."

The Sunderland-born Henderson had a loan spell at Coventry City early in his career and signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light in April 2010.

He came to prominence as Steve Bruce's Black Cats made a fine start to the season and was rewarded with an England call-up by coach Fabio Capello.

• Henderson was named as one of 13 young players to watch in 2011 by Fifa

He won his first full England cap in the friendly defeat by France at Wembley in November.

And even though his form dipped as Sunderland struggled in the second half of the campaign, Henderson is still regarded as one of England's brightest young prospects.

Manchester United had been regarded as the long-time favourites to sign Henderson after he made an outstanding start to last season, but their interest cooled and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has moved on to other midfield targets.

Henderson's potential acquisition fits in with Liverpool's policy under Kenny Dalglish, director of football Damien Comolli and owners Fenway Sports Group to pursue young, and preferably English, talent.

Ipswich's teenage striker Connor Wickham is also believed to be an Anfield target, although Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones is reported to have snubbed them in favour of joining Manchester United.