Deal for Henderson is completed

Liverpool have confirmed on Thursday evening that Jordan Henderson has completed his big-money move from Sunderland.

Jordan Henderson is the first of many summer signings for Liverpool

The Anfield club have reportedly negotiated a £16 million fee for the England midfielder, who made his international debut during the recent Premier League campaign.

A statement on the Reds' official website reads: "Liverpool Football Club have completed the signing of Jordan Henderson after the 20-year-old passed a medical and agreed personal terms.

"Henderson travelled to Merseyside on Wednesday after a fee was agreed with Sunderland. He then underwent a medical examination in Liverpool before signing a long-term deal.

"The midfielder has now joined the England U21 squad in Denmark as they prepare for the European Championships." News of David N'Gog's transfer in the opposite direction, worth a reported £7 million, is yet to be confirmed.

Henderson told Liverpool's website: "I'm over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I'm really looking forward to it. I was flattered to know Liverpool were interested in me and, once I knew, it was a massive decision for me to make but also a massive opportunity.

"Obviously it's hard to leave your local club. I'm a Sunderland lad, I've supported them all my life. But I'm really looking forward to the future now and obviously this is a massive opportunity for me. I'm really excited by it."

A statement on Sunderland's official website added: "Liverpool have signed Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson for an undisclosed fee. The 20-year-old travelled to the Merseyside club's Melwood training ground on Wednesday to discuss terms and undergo a medical after the two clubs agreed a substantial fee.

"All the relevant paperwork has now been completed and Henderson, who is currently away on international duty with England's under-21 side, has penned a 'long-term' deal at Anfield."