Ex-Liverpool star Jordan Henderson touted for emotional Sunderland AFC return | OneFootball

Henderson is being tracked by sides in the first and second tiers of English football - and a return to Wearside may not be out of the question.

An emotional return to Sunderland could be on the cards for Jordan Henderson.

That's according to The Sun, who have touted the Black Cats as a potential destination for the former Liverpool midfielder, who is currently struggling for game time at Eredivisie giants Ajax.

At this stage, Regis Le Bris' side have a fairly settled squad, which is full of young players, as it has been for the past couple of years.

Kristjaan Speakman and other key figures at the Stadium of Light have been keen to invest in youngsters in recent years, with the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Eliezer Mayenda becoming important first-teamers.

And some of their own talents from their academy are emerging too, with Chris Rigg establishing himself as an important first-teamer now, recently scoring in a 2-2 draw against Leeds United.

Tommy Watson could also become a real asset for the senior team in the next year or two, with the player highly rated and being linked with a move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Space for senior players on Wearside is limited, with Simon Moore being their only summer signing who's over 30.

And with Bradley Dack and Corry Evans leaving the club in recent months, it's fair to say that Le Bris has a very young squad at his disposal.

Henderson could be an experienced option for them, having gone on to achieve big things since he moved on from the Wearside club back in 2011.

He spent 12 years at Anfield, winning the Premier League and the Champions League during that time, and thriving under Jurgen Klopp.

Establishing himself as a legend on Merseyside, Henderson can certainly say that he's enjoyed a very successful career, both for the Reds and at an international level.

Last year, he moved on to Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard.

His time in Saudi Arabia didn't last that long though, with the player signing for Ajax earlier this year.

He hasn't exactly been one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Dutch outfit in the league this season, despite his experience, coming off the bench in a few games and also spending one match as an unused substitute.

Sunderland return could be on the horizon for Jordan Henderson

A return to the Stadium of Light could be on the cards, according to The Sun, who have touted a possible return for the midfielder.

The same outlet have reported that a number of Premier League sides have been alerted to his potential availability ahead of January.

But "several" top-end Championship clubs are also thought to be considering a move for the player, who may be keen to return to England and secure more game time.

Sunderland should consider potential Jordan Henderson move carefully

During a gruelling 46-game season, depth is needed and Henderson could be a decent addition for the Black Cats because of this.

However, he can't be winning too much game time at the expense of younger players who have a high ceiling.

Clearly, he would be an excellent influence in the dressing room, and he could make an impact and contribute to the Wearside outfit's promotion push.

The Englishman shouldn't be expecting to start every week though if he returns to the Stadium of Light, because Dan Neil, Bellingham and Rigg need as much game time as possible.

However, Henderson could be a good squad option.