Jordan Henderson snubs Manchester United and Chelsea as midfielder rules out Sunderland exit

08 March 2011 12:38
Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson has no intention of leaving the club during the summer. [LNB]The 20-year-old's blossoming reputation, fuelled by a first senior England cap, has alerted potential suitors to his talent with Manchester United and Chelsea monitoring his situation. [LNB]However, amid speculation that a deal has already been done - something manager Steve Bruce has dismissed - Henderson has expressed his desire to remain with his home-town club. [LNB] Mixing it with the big boys: Henderson (left) tackles Arsenal's Aboue Diaby during Saturday's goalless draw[LNB]He told the Journal: 'I do feel I have improved this season. I'm a better player than I was 12 months ago. [LNB]'It has been another great season for me. I have had some ups and downs along the way, but it's all part of my development. I have coped okay with the second season thing. [LNB]'I'm improving every day, that is what I'm aiming to do. I'm enjoying myself at Sunderland, I'm not looking to leave. [LNB]'I'm playing every week in the Premier League and that's all I have ever dreamed of doing. [LNB]'I'm young and I'm playing for Sunderland. It's something I love doing. I just want to keep doing that, keep improving, keep getting better as a player.'[LNB] Henderson was catapulted into the first-team picture after impressing his boss in training during the first few weeks of Bruce's time on Wearside. [LNB]Cap call: Henderson made his England debut in the friendly against France at Wembley in November[LNB]He has been virtually ever-present since forcing his way into the starting line-up, and while his manager admits there have been times when he might have been rested for his own sake had injuries not taken their toll on the squad, he remains a key man. [LNB]Chief executive Steve Walton is adamant that the club will not have to offload players to fund a summer recruitment drive.[LNB]He told supporters at a talk-in in South Shields on Tuesday night: 'Players will absolutely not have to be sold to balance the books.[LNB]'Any sales will be dictated by what is right for the manager and balancing the dressing room.[LNB]'However, of course we can't legislate for transfers which come from left field, such as those involving Darren Bent and Lorik Cana.'[LNB] Big-money move: Bent (left) joined Aston Villa for ?24m during the January transfer window[LNB]Bent stunned Sunderland by handing an a transfer request in January, and subsequently left in a ?24million switch to Aston Villa.[LNB]Bruce has already drawn up plans to replace the England international during the close-season having decided not to spend in haste during the final days of the winter window.[LNB]Former skipper Cana left for Galatasaray last summer just a year after arriving on Wearside in a ?5million switch from Marseille.[LNB]Meanwhile, chairman Niall Quinn has confirmed that the Black Cats have opened talks with Frenchman Steed Malbranque over a new contract. [LNB]The popular 31-year-old's existing deal is due to expire at the end of next season.[LNB] Speaking at a talk-in with fans in South Shields last night, Quinn said: 'We have opened negotiations over a new contract with Steed. He is a great asset to the club.'[LNB] Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0: Wasteful Gunners fail to turn up heat on United Cattermole returns to training as Bruce hopes to call upon skipper again soonNorthern Exposure: Sunderland boss Bruce confident of bouncing backWatch all the Premier League goals every week on our brilliant video player All the latest Sunderland news, features and opinion [LNB]  Explore more:People: Steve Bruce, Niall Quinn, Darren Bent, Lorik Cana Places: United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail