Exclusive: Don Goodman reacts to big Jordan Henderson, Sunderland AFC transfer news | OneFootball

Don Goodman says Jordan Henderson could be a "real asset" for Sunderland amid reports he may return following their Premier League promotion.

Jordan Henderson could be on the move again this summer, and a return to boyhood club Sunderland is being seriously mooted.

As the Black Cats prepare for Premier League football after a dramatic play-off triumph, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes the Ajax midfielder could offer the leadership needed to compete at the top level.

Sunderland named as one of the two frontrunners for Henderson

According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, Henderson is expected to leave Ajax in the coming transfer window, with both Sunderland and Rangers seen as potential destinations.

Speaking on the Kick-off podcast, Verweij revealed Ajax are keen to offload the midfielder's salary, with internal disagreements over his future taking place.

"Ajax want to get rid of his salary," Verweij said. "Farioli really wanted to keep him, but Ajax didn't. Now Farioli is gone, Henderson would also like to leave."

The 34-year-old has strong ties to Sunderland, having risen through the academy before a £20 million move to Liverpool in 2011.

Goodman: Henderson could be a "real asset" for Premier League Sunderland

Henderson featured in 28 matches for Ajax this term, starting 21, and registered five goal contributions as the club underwent a late collapse in the Eredivisie title race.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman was asked whether Sunderland should pursue Henderson for a potential return this summer.

Goodman believes that, regardless of Sunderland's youth-focused recruitment model, the former England captain's experience could prove invaluable.

"I think Jordan Henderson had a huge season in the Eredivisie for Ajax, despite the fact that they had a poor end to the season, which saw them finish second by a point," Goodman told Football League World.

"He had a big influence, starting 21 games. It is a difficult one because, obviously, Sunderland have this policy in terms of their recruitment. And I am unsure whether they would ignore that."

"Though, there is no doubt that somebody with his Premier League experience could be a real asset as Sunderland put a squad together to try and compete in the Premier League."

A return to his roots or a reunion with Gerrard on the cards for Henderson

While Sunderland is Henderson's boyhood club, Rangers also present an intriguing alternative, especially with Steven Gerrard, Henderson's former Liverpool teammate, reportedly in line to take over as manager at Ibrox.

Dutch journalist Verweij added: "There, Steven Gerrard is said to be the new coach and would like to get Henderson in that direction."

However, after their 2-1 play-off final win against Sheffield United to secure a return to the Premier League. Sunderland may hold the emotional edge. With the Ajax door closing, the path home could be wide open.